The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido’s request to prevent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its scheduled national convention. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling on Friday, refusing to issue an interim injunction against the convention.
Instead, Justice Lifu directed the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to appear before the court. They must explain why Lamido’s demands should not be granted. This judicial order allows the convention to proceed while requiring both bodies to defend their positions.
Lamido’s Legal Challenge
Lamido initiated the lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CD/2229/2025 through his counsel Jephthah Chikodi Njikonye (SAN). He claimed the PDP unlawfully denied him the nomination form for National Chairman. According to court documents, the former governor accused his party of violating its own constitution.
“The party failed to create equal opportunities for qualified aspirants,” Lamido stated in his affidavit. He argued the selection process excluded key stakeholders and contained fundamental flaws. The PDP founding member sought a mandatory injunction compelling the party to provide his nomination form.
Requests to the Court
Lamido petitioned the court to block INEC from supervising or recognizing the convention. He warned that proceeding without his participation would grant “illegal legitimacy to a constitutionally defective process.” The former minister maintained this would breach principles of natural justice and internal party democracy.
Justice Lifu’s ruling requires the PDP and INEC to formally respond to Lamido’s allegations. While the convention remains scheduled, both defendants must justify their election procedures. The court’s decision postpones any final determination until after hearing the defendants’ arguments.
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