Court Rejects Sule Lamido’s Request To Stop PDP National Convention

A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to grant an interim order sought by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, to halt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention.

Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Friday, refused the ex parte motion filed by Lamido, which sought to restrain the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from going ahead with preparations for the convention pending the determination of a substantive suit.

Lamido, through his counsel Jeph Njikonye, had urged the court to issue an interim injunction stopping the PDP from holding the convention, arguing that unresolved internal disputes within the party could render the exercise unlawful and injurious to members’ interests.

However, Justice Lifu declined to grant the request, ruling that the matter required both parties to be heard before any restraining order could be considered.

The judge instead directed the PDP and INEC listed as the first and second defendants to appear before the court and show cause why the reliefs sought by Lamido should not be granted.

Lamido’s application, filed alongside the main suit, challenges certain internal processes and decision-making within the party ahead of the convention, though details of his grievances were not immediately disclosed.

Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to a later date for hearing, where both the PDP and INEC are expected to respond to the claims.

The PDP is scheduled to hold its national convention soon to deliberate on key party positions and strategies ahead of upcoming elections.