The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognising any outcome of the proposed convention pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.

The judge held that Lamido’s application was meritorious and granted the preservative order in the interest of justice. He noted that allowing the PDP to hold the convention while the matter was still before the court could cause irreparable harm to the applicant.

Justice Lifu referenced an earlier judgment by Justice James Omotosho delivered on October 31, which also restrained the PDP from holding the convention.

Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had in an ex parte motion filed on October 31, sought the court’s intervention to stop the convention. He argued that going ahead with the event would amount to a violation of the party’s constitution and deny him the opportunity to contest for the position of PDP National Chairman, for which he is qualified.

The court had earlier declined to grant the interim order on October 31, instead directing the PDP and INEC—listed as the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025)—to appear and show cause why Lamido’s request should not be granted.

After receiving their responses within 72 hours, Justice Lifu heard arguments from both parties on November 6 and reserved ruling until Tuesday.

The judge has also stood down the matter until 1 p.m. today for the hearing of the substantive case.