A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from going ahead with its scheduled national convention pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit filed by former Governor of Jigawa State, Mr. Sule Lamido.
The PDP had scheduled to hold its Elective National Convention on November 15 and 16, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
In a ruling, the court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, also restrained the Independent National Electrical Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising or recognising the outcome of the convention, pending the hearing and determination of the suit before him.
Justice Lifu held that the application filed by the Lamido, being the applicant was meritorious and accordingly succeeds.
Lifu particularly noted that the judgement delivered by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, stopping the PDP from holding the convention, and further held that it would be in the interest of justice to grant Lamido’s request.
The court further held that if the PDP was allowed to go ahead with national convention, Lamido would suffer more, thus it was necessary to grant the preservative order.
The former Governor of Jigawa State, had in a motion ex-parte moved by his counsel, Jeph Njikonye, SAN, on October 31, prayed the court to make the interim order, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed alongside.
Lamido said if the PDP was not restrained by the court, the party would be violating its constitution, and by implication denying him the opportunity to contest for the position of the national chairman of the party of which he is eminently qualified to contest.
However, Justice Lifu had in a ruling on October 31, declined to grant the motion after it was moved and directed that the PDP and INEC that are 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, should appear before him and show cause why Lamido’s reliefs should not be granted.
The trial judge gave the defendants 72 hours from the date they were served to respond and adjourned the matter until November 6, 2025 for hearing.
On November 6, the PDP and INEC filed their respective affidavit asking the court to refuse Lamido’s application.
Accordingly, Justice Lifu fixed Tuesday, November 11, for ruling on the matter and stood down the matter until 1:00pm for hearing of the substantive matter.
