The Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a landmark judgment on Friday, ordering the Peoples Democratic Party to suspend its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, originally slated for November 15 and 16.
Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from overseeing, monitoring, or acknowledging any convention conducted by the party without Lamido being included as a candidate.
The court found that Lamido had been unfairly denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman of the PDP, a move that violated both the party’s constitution and internal regulations.
“An order is hereby made that before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff. In the light of the above, it is hereby held that the convention be put on hold for the plaintiff to obtain a nomination form, campaign and mobilise supporters,” Justice Lifu declared.
The judgment emphasized that political parties have a duty to facilitate avenues for their members to serve, including taking deliberate steps to ensure members can pursue their political ambitions.
Okay News reports that this ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to internal democracy within political parties and sets a precedent for the inclusion of all eligible contestants in party elections.
