In a fresh twist to the ongoing leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Federal High Court in Abuja has once again issued an order stopping the opposition party from proceeding with its planned PDP national convention.
Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the matter on Tuesday, granted an interim injunction restraining the PDP from holding the event scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The order will remain in force pending the determination of a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, challenging the legality of the planned convention.
Court Suspends PDP National Convention
Delivering the ruling, Justice Lifu held that the application filed by Lamido had merit, citing the need to preserve the status quo and prevent what he described as “irreparable harm” should the PDP national convention go ahead before the case is resolved.
He referenced an earlier decision by Justice James Omotosho, delivered on October 31, which similarly restrained the party from convening any national convention.
According to him, Lamido’s request aligns with the earlier order and was necessary to ensure fair hearing and the protection of the applicant’s rights.
“The court must act as a neutral arbiter to protect the integrity of the judicial process. Allowing the convention to proceed while a competent suit challenging its legality is pending would amount to pre-empting the outcome of this court,” Justice Lifu ruled.
The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognising any outcome from the suspended convention until the matter is heard and determined.
Lamido’s Legal Battle Over Party Leadership
Former governor Sule Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had filed the ex-parte motion on October 31, 2025, seeking an injunction to stop the PDP from holding its convention.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, Lamido argued that the planned exercise would violate the party’s constitution and infringe on his right to contest for the position of national chairman.
He maintained that the current PDP leadership failed to follow due process in scheduling the PDP national convention, adding that moving forward with the event could deepen internal rifts and erode confidence among members.
Lamido further alleged that several decisions taken by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) lacked transparency, insisting that his exclusion from preparatory meetings was “deliberate and unconstitutional.”
PDP and INEC Oppose Injunction
During the hearing on November 6, counsel representing the PDP and INEC filed counter-affidavits opposing Lamido’s application.
They argued that the former governor had no locus standi to challenge the convention and that the court should not interfere in what they described as an “internal political process.”
Despite these arguments, Justice Lifu ruled in favour of maintaining the earlier preservative order, stressing that the judiciary has a duty to prevent actions that could render a pending case nugatory.
“Where the balance of convenience lies in favour of preserving the subject matter, the court will not hesitate to issue a restraining order,” the judge stated.
He then adjourned further hearing of the substantive case to 1 p.m. Tuesday for continuation.
PDP’s Leadership Woes Deepen
This is not the first time the opposition party has faced judicial hurdles in its internal affairs.
The PDP national convention has been a recurring flashpoint for conflicts among various factions struggling for control.
Analysts note that the latest ruling underscores the fragile unity within the party as it attempts to reposition ahead of future elections.
Since losing power at the federal level in 2015, the PDP has endured successive waves of internal wrangling, defections, and litigations that have undermined its cohesion.
Party insiders say Lamido’s lawsuit reflects broader frustrations among senior members who feel alienated from decision-making processes dominated by loyalists of key power brokers.
“The court’s decision is a reminder that the PDP must resolve its internal issues through consensus and transparency,” a senior member of the party’s Board of Trustees told ireport247news.com on condition of anonymity.
“Dragging every disagreement to court is not sustainable if the party hopes to rebuild trust among Nigerians.”
INEC’s Position on the Dispute
The Independent National Electoral Commission has repeatedly stressed that it will only monitor conventions and primaries conducted in compliance with court orders and the Electoral Act.
An INEC official familiar with the case confirmed that the commission had received notice of the ruling and would abide by it.
“As a law-abiding institution, INEC will respect any valid order of the court. Until this matter is resolved, the commission will not participate in or recognise any event related to the PDP national convention,” the official stated.
Political Implications
Observers believe that the continued suspension of the PDP national convention could further weaken the party’s preparation for upcoming governorship and local elections.
The delay may also affect the selection of key officers and the ratification of new policy directions meant to reposition the party.
Some political commentators, however, see the court’s intervention as an opportunity for introspection.
According to public affairs analyst Tunde Adebajo, “This ruling could be the wake-up call the PDP needs to reform its internal processes and rebuild confidence among members.”
As the PDP grapples with this latest judicial setback, all eyes are now on the Federal High Court’s next sitting, which will determine whether the injunction will be sustained or lifted.
For now, the opposition party faces yet another pause in its quest to stabilise leadership and reclaim political relevance — a development that highlights the growing influence of the judiciary in shaping Nigeria’s internal party democracy.
