The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday refused to grant an ex parte application filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, seeking to stop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention.
Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had asked the court to issue an interim injunction restraining the PDP from proceeding with the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, or any other location, pending the determination of a motion on notice.
In his ruling, Justice Peter Lifu declined to issue the restraining order, directing instead that the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — listed as the first and second defendants — appear before the court to show cause why Lamido’s application should not be granted.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, was filed on October 28. Lamido argued that the court should preserve the subject matter of the case to prevent rendering its eventual decision meaningless. He claimed that allowing the PDP to proceed with the convention would breach the party’s constitution and deny him a fair opportunity to contest for the position of national chairman.
Lamido maintained that his application raised serious triable issues and that the balance of convenience favoured granting interim preservative relief.
Justice Lifu, after hearing the application in chambers, ruled that it was necessary to hear from the defendants before taking any action. He ordered the PDP and INEC to respond within 72 hours of being served and adjourned the matter to November 6 for further hearing.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, governed Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015 and remains an influential voice in the party.
The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been grappling with internal divisions since the 2023 general elections, with disputes over zoning, leadership, and direction. National conventions, which are vital for electing party officers and shaping policy, have often been flashpoints for such tensions.
By opting to hear from all parties before ruling, the court effectively allowed the PDP to continue preparations for its convention while ensuring Lamido’s grievances receive judicial attention.
