By Muhammad Mamman
A Federal High Court has dismissed a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, seeking to stop the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its forthcoming national convention.
Justice [insert judge’s name if available] ruled that Lamido’s application lacked merit, affirming the party’s right to conduct its internal affairs in line with its constitution and the Electoral Act.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP and one of its most outspoken figures, had approached the court to restrain the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the acting National Chairman from proceeding with preparations for the convention. He argued that the planned gathering would violate internal party processes and further deepen divisions within the opposition party.
However, the court held that Lamido failed to demonstrate sufficient legal grounds to interfere in the party’s internal management. The judge emphasised that political parties are “voluntary associations” whose internal matters should only attract judicial intervention when there is clear evidence of a breach of law or infringement of members’ rights.
Following the ruling, PDP officials hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy and party unity, insisting that the convention would go ahead as scheduled to elect new leaders and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of Lamido, on the other hand, described the outcome as a setback for internal reform, claiming the court’s decision may embolden party elites to ignore dissenting voices.
Political analysts say the case highlights the deepening rifts within the PDP, as power blocs jostle for control ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested national leadership race.
