Court Withholds Judgment in Lamido’s Suit Against PDP Convention

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, failed to deliver judgment in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, seeking to stop the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice Peter Lifu had earlier fixed November 13 for judgment after adopting final written addresses from counsel representing parties in the matter. However, when the case was called, a court official informed the parties that the judgment was not ready. The official added that a new date for delivery would be communicated in due course.

Lamido, a former governor and chieftain of the PDP, is praying the court to restrain the party from holding its national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. He also asked the court to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring or recognising any outcome from the exercise.

The development implies that the interim order earlier granted by Justice Lifu, which stopped the PDP and INEC from conducting or supervising the convention, remains in force pending the determination of the substantive suit.

In his November 11 ruling, Justice Lifu held that the restraining order was necessary to preserve the subject matter of the suit. He observed that Lamido had shown sufficient grounds to prove that the convention timetable was not duly published in accordance with party guidelines and the law.

The judge further noted that allowing the convention to proceed could cause irreparable damage to Lamido, who has indicated interest in contesting for the position of national chairman of the party.

The case has heightened tension within the opposition party, which has been battling internal divisions ahead of the planned convention.