Court halts PDP convention over Lamido’s exclusion
A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention scheduled for 15 – 16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu, came in response to a suit filed by the former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, who alleged that he was unfairly excluded from the process. He claimed that the party denied him the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of national chairman.
Justice Lifu held that the PDP must strictly adhere to its own constitution and rules, including making nomination forms available to eligible aspirants and allowing them to campaign. The court ruled that the convention be postponed to allow Lamido to obtain the form, mobilise supporters and participate meaningfully in the contest.
In addition, the judge restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or recognising any outcome of the convention until Lamido is allowed to contest.
The decision marks yet another legal setback for the PDP’s efforts to hold its national convention. Earlier in the month, a similar order had been issued by another judge, citing irregularities in state congresses and notification processes.
