For the second time, a Federal High Court in Abuja, has restrained the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, from holding its 2025 National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State between November 15 and 16.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from supervising, monitoring or recognizing the outcome of the National Convention where national officers are expected to be elected.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu on Tuesday issued the fresh order while delivering ruling in an application brought by a former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido.
Lamido, a foundation member of PDP had dragged the party before the court complaining that he was denied opportunity to buy Chairmanship nomination form to enable him participate in the convention.
The judge predicated the restriction order against PDP on the grounds that the party refused, neglected and failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such conventions.
The judge held that evidence from Lamido showed that the timetable for the convention was not published for the attention of its members as required by law.
Justice lifu also held that the balance of convenience tilted towards Lamido because he would suffer more if allowed to be unlawfully excluded from the planned convention.
To make remedy, the Judge said that the former governor had undertaken to pay damages to PDP in the event that his suit was found to be frivolous.
According to the Judge, in a Constitutional, due process of law must be strictly followed by those in charge, adding that to do otherwise, will endanger democracy itself.
Credit: dailypost.ng
