From the first courtroom, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, declined to grant an interim order restraining the PDP from proceeding with its convention, despite an ex parte motion filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido. Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye, alleged that the party had denied him access to the nomination form for the National Chairmanship position—a move he argued violated both the PDP’s constitution and his right to fair contest. The case, viewed by many as a direct challenge to the party’s internal processes, called for judicial intervention to preserve the status quo until the matter could be fully heard.
While the ink on Justice Lifu’s directive was barely dry, another Abuja court issued a sweeping counter-order. Justice James Omotosho, presiding over a separate case filed by Imo PDP chairman Austine Nwachukwu, Abia chairman Amah Abraham Nnanna, and South-South factional secretary Turnah George—all known allies of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike—ruled that the PDP’s planned convention was illegal. He held that the party had failed to comply with its own constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution, particularly by not conducting valid congresses in 14 states prior to scheduling the convention.
Justice Omotosho’s ruling struck at the heart of the PDP’s preparations, declaring the planned convention a violation of due process and restraining INEC from monitoring or recognizing any outcome arising from such an exercise. The decision effectively halted the PDP’s Ibadan gathering unless the party complied with a fresh 21-day notice requirement and aligned its procedures with INEC guidelines and statutory provisions.