Abuja Court Delays Key Ruling on Sule Lamido’s Bid to Halt PDP National Convention
A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its highly anticipated judgment in the lawsuit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The ruling, initially scheduled for November 13, was deferred without a new date being immediately announced.
Legal Showdown Postponed
Justice Peter Lifu had previously adjourned the case for judgment on November 11 after hearing final arguments from legal representatives. However, when the parties reconvened, a court official informed them the judgment was not ready and that they would be notified once it was prepared.
The legal teams involved include prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria: Jeph Njikonye for Lamido, Omokayode Dada for the PDP, and Joseph Daudu representing other joined parties.
Injunction Already in Place
In a significant pre-hearing ruling, Justice Lifu granted an interim injunction restraining the PDP from proceeding with its planned national convention scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognizing any outcomes from the convention until the substantive suit is resolved.
Judicial Reasoning Behind the Injunction
Justice Lifu justified the preservative orders by referencing an earlier judgment from Justice James Omotosho delivered on October 31, which also prohibited the PDP from holding the convention. The judge emphasized that allowing the convention to proceed would cause greater harm to Lamido’s interests, making the interim measures necessary.
The court found that evidence presented by the plaintiff indicated the PDP’s convention timetable had not been properly published for its members as required by law—a procedural lapse that could undermine democratic principles within the party.
Broader Implications for Party Democracy
Lamido’s legal challenge centers on his assertion that the PDP was violating its own constitution, thereby denying him the opportunity to contest for the position of national chairman—a role he claims to be eminently qualified to hold. The former governor has undertaken to pay damages should his suit ultimately be deemed frivolous.
Justice Lifu underscored the importance of strict adherence to due process in a constitutional democracy, warning that deviations from established legal procedures could endanger democratic institutions themselves. The judge reaffirmed the judiciary’s constitutional responsibility under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution to dispense justice without fear or favor.
As the political world watches closely, this legal postponement leaves the PDP’s immediate future uncertain, with its national convention hanging in the balance pending judicial resolution of Lamido’s substantive claims.
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