By Obinna Uballa
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Delivering judgment in a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, Justice Peter Lifu restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or recognising any PDP convention conducted without including Lamido as a bona fide contestant.
Justice Lifu held that the evidence before the court showed that Lamido was unlawfully denied access to the nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman, a breach of the PDP Constitution and its internal procedures.
The court ruled that the PDP has a constitutional duty to provide equal opportunities for all members to pursue political aspirations, stressing that shutting out Lamido was unjust and procedurally flawed.
As part of the consequential orders, the judge directed that the planned convention be suspended to allow Lamido obtain the nomination form, mobilise his supporters, and run his campaign.
“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 ruled.
