By Erewunmi Peace

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan this weekend, pending the nomination of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.

Justice Peter Lifu issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by Lamido, who accused the party of unlawfully excluding him from contesting for the position of national chairman. Lamido told the court that he was denied access to purchase the nomination form despite meeting the requirements set by the party.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the PDP had a duty to strictly comply with its constitution and internal rules. He declared that the evidence showed Lamido was unjustly prevented from participating in the race, and therefore directed the party to make the relevant nomination forms available to him.

The judge further restrained the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from organising, supervising, monitoring, or recognising any convention that does not include Lamido in the nomination process.

The court’s decision effectively halts all preparations for the convention until the party complies with the order.

The PDP has not yet issued an official response to the court ruling.