By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of any PDP convention conducted without including former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, as a contestant.
The court held that the evidence presented showed Lamido was unfairly prevented from obtaining the nomination form to vie for the position of National Chairman, in violation of the PDP Constitution and its internal regulations.
Justice Lifu declared that the PDP has a responsibility to provide equal opportunities for its members to participate in party leadership, stressing that political parties must adopt deliberate measures to enable members to realise their aspirations.
Consequently, the court directed the PDP to halt its planned convention to allow Lamido the opportunity to purchase the nomination form, mobilise his supporters, and run a full campaign.
