The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declined to grant an application filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, seeking an order to stop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention.
Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had filed a motion ex parte praying the court to issue an interim order restraining the PDP from proceeding with the convention pending the determination of a motion on notice filed alongside the suit.
However, Justice Peter Lifu, in his ruling, refused to grant the request. Instead, he ordered the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — listed as the first and second defendants — to appear before the court to show cause why the reliefs sought by the former governor should not be granted.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, was filed by Lamido on October 28, 2025.
In his ex parte motion, Lamido sought two orders:
“An interim order of the honourable court restraining the first defendant from conducting its national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State (or any other location) on November 15 and 16, 2025, or on any other date the first defendant may choose, pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiff/applicant’s motion on notice before this honourable court.
“An interim order restraining the second defendant from monitoring, supervising or recognising the first defendant’s national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State (or any other location) on November 15 and 16, 2025, or on any other date the first defendant may choose, pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiff/applicant’s motion on notice.”
Lamido, through his legal team, gave seven grounds for the application, arguing that once a matter is before a court, all parties must maintain the status quo to prevent rendering the court’s eventual judgment meaningless.
He maintained that the court had the inherent jurisdiction to preserve the subject matter of litigation.
Lamido further argued that if the PDP is not restrained, the party would be violating its constitution and denying him the opportunity to contest for the position of national chairman, a role he said he was “eminently qualified” to pursue.
“The plaintiff/applicant has established a prima facie legal interest in the subject matter of litigation entitling him to the grant of the interim preservative relief sought,” he stated.
He also contended that once the act sought to be restrained is completed, the equitable remedy of an interim injunction might no longer be available — hence the need for urgent judicial intervention.
The case, which was the only matter on Friday’s cause list, was heard in chambers, after Njikonye moved the motion. Justice Lifu ruled that it was necessary to hear from the defendants before making any interim orders.
The judge consequently gave the defendants 72 hours from the date of service to file their responses and adjourned the matter until November 6, 2025, for hearing.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, governed Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015. He remains an influential voice within the opposition party, often vocal on issues of internal democracy and leadership direction.
The PDP has grappled with internal divisions since the 2023 general elections, with disputes over zoning, leadership control, and the party’s post-election strategy.
National conventions are critical to the party’s structure, serving as platforms to elect new national officers, review policies, and reaffirm unity, but have frequently become flashpoints for internal rivalries.
Lamido’s suit adds to the growing list of legal challenges that have, over time, disrupted or delayed key PDP gatherings.
By ordering the PDP and INEC to show cause rather than issuing an immediate injunction, the court effectively allows the party to continue preparations for its convention while ensuring that Lamido’s grievances receive judicial attention.
The matter will return to court on November 6 for further hearing.
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