The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its National Convention, which was scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the proposed convention, where new national officers were expected to emerge.

The court order followed a fresh application filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who alleged that the PDP leadership denied him the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, effectively excluding him from the process.

Justice Lifu, in his judgment, faulted the PDP for failing to meet the legal and procedural requirements necessary for conducting such a convention, including the mandatory publication of the convention timetable for members’ awareness.

The judge ruled that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, stating that the former governor would suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded from contesting.

He further emphasised that due process must be followed in all political activities, describing it as a constitutional safeguard for democracy.

Quoting Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, Justice Lifu reiterated that the judiciary must uphold justice “without fear or favour,” warning that failure to do so would lead to “the reign of lawlessness.”

In his final order, the court directed the PDP to suspend the planned convention indefinitely and barred INEC from recognising or participating in any such gathering organised by the party until further notice.