Court Dismisses Sule Lamido’s Suit Seeking to Halt PDP National Convention

The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant a request by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, seeking to halt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention.

Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had filed a motion ex parte asking the court to issue an interim order stopping the PDP from holding its convention until the determination of his main suit.

However, in a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu declined the application and instead directed the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—listed as the first and second defendants respectively—to appear before the court to explain why Lamido’s request should not be granted.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, was filed on October 28, with Lamido seeking two key interim orders:

1. To restrain the PDP from conducting its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, or any other location, pending the hearing of his motion on notice.

2. To restrain INEC from monitoring, supervising, or recognizing the planned convention within the same period.

Lamido argued that the court has the inherent power to preserve the subject matter of a dispute, insisting that the PDP’s planned convention would violate its constitution and deny him the right to contest for the position of national chairman.

“The plaintiff has established a legal interest in the matter, entitling him to the interim relief sought,” his counsel argued, adding that if the convention goes ahead, the court’s eventual decision may become meaningless.

Justice Lifu, after hearing from Lamido’s counsel in chambers, held that the defendants must first be heard before any restraining orders could be issued. He granted them 72 hours from the date of service to respond and adjourned the case until November 6 for further hearing.

Lamido, a founding member of the PDP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, served as Governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015. He remains a vocal figure within the party, known for his stance on internal democracy and leadership reforms.

The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been dealing with internal divisions since the 2023 general elections, particularly over zoning arrangements and leadership control. National conventions—where key party officers are elected and major policy decisions are made—have often become flashpoints for factional disputes.

Lamido’s latest suit adds to the growing list of intra-party legal battles that have previously disrupted the PDP’s organizational activities.

By directing the PDP and INEC to “show cause,” the court has effectively allowed preparations for the upcoming convention to continue while ensuring that Lamido’s concerns receive proper judicial review.

The matter is scheduled for continued hearing on November 6, 2025.