A Federal High Court in Abuja has once again stopped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its National Convention scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
The court further prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the convention where new national officers are to be elected.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the latest order on Tuesday while ruling on an application filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.
Lamido had sued the party, alleging that he was unfairly denied the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form needed to participate in the convention.
The judge based his decision to restrain the PDP on the grounds that the party failed to meet the necessary legal and procedural requirements for organising such a convention.
He noted that evidence presented by Lamido showed the party did not publish the convention timetable for the notice of its members as required by law.
Justice Lifu further ruled that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, as he stood to suffer greater harm if he was unlawfully excluded from the convention.
According to the judge, “In a Constitution, due process of law must be strictly followed by those in charge, adding that to do otherwise will endanger democracy itself.”
He also stressed that under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the judiciary must not shy away from its duty to deliver justice without fear or favour.
Justice Lifu warned that “anarchy would be the order of the day, any day and anywhere the court of record abdicates its constitution-assigned functions.”
In his final ruling, the judge restrained the PDP from holding the convention slated for November 15 and 16, or on any other date, in Ibadan or elsewhere.
He also barred INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the results of any convention conducted by the PDP.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
