The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday declined to grant an interim order sought by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, to stop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention.
Justice Peter Lifu refused to restrain the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from going ahead with the convention, scheduled for Nov. 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The judge instead directed the PDP and INEC, who are the first and second defendants in the suit, to appear before the court within 72 hours to show cause why Lamido’s request should not be granted.
Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until Nov. 6 for further hearing.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, had filed the suit (No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025) through his counsel, Mr Jeph Njikonye (SAN), on Oct. 28.
He argued that conducting the convention as scheduled would breach the party’s constitution and deny him a fair chance to contest for the position of national chairman
The former governor also urged the court to preserve the subject matter of the suit, contending that proceeding with the convention could render any eventual judgment nugatory.
Justice Lifu held that it was necessary to hear from both parties before making a ruling, a decision that effectively allows the PDP to continue its preparations for the convention pending determination of the case.
Lamido governed Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015 and remains an influential member of the PDP, which has been battling internal divisions since its loss in the 2023 general elections.