By Deborah Nnamdi
A Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.
Justice Peter Lifu, who issued the fresh order on Tuesday, also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the outcome of the convention where new national officers were expected to be elected.
The ruling followed an application filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who accused the PDP of denying him the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, thereby unlawfully excluding him from the contest.
Justice Lifu held that the party had failed to comply with the relevant laws and internal procedures guiding the conduct of such conventions. He noted that evidence presented by Lamido showed that the PDP did not publish the timetable for the convention as required by law.
“The balance of convenience tilts in favour of the applicant, who stands to suffer more if he is unlawfully excluded from participating in the planned convention,” the judge ruled.
He further emphasized that adherence to due process was fundamental to sustaining democracy, warning that failure to follow the law could endanger democratic institutions.
“In line with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, courts must not abdicate their constitutional responsibility of dispensing justice without fear or favour. Where courts fail to act, anarchy becomes inevitable,” Justice Lifu stated.
Consequently, the court restrained the PDP from going ahead with the convention, whether on November 15 and 16 or any other date, in Ibadan or elsewhere. INEC was also barred from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the outcome of any such gathering organized by the party.
