By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s planned national convention until a chairmanship nomination form is made available to former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the PDP violated its own constitution and guidelines by denying Lamido the opportunity to purchase the nomination form.
He held that every political party is bound by its constitution and must follow due process to avoid illegality.
Justice Lifu noted that Lamido, in his sworn statement, said he visited the PDP national secretariat on Oct. 27 to buy the form but was refused, even though sales were supposed to remain open until 14 days before the convention.
The court further observed that an exhibit before it contained a remark by the party’s consensus candidate stating that “how we got the form is immaterial,” suggesting that the process of obtaining the nomination form lacked transparency and regularity.
Justice Lifu ruled that the party must provide equal opportunities for all qualified members, including Lamido, to contest.
He therefore ordered the PDP to suspend its national convention scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16 until Lamido is allowed to exercise his constitutional right. The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognising any outcome of the convention until the party complies with the order.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
