Nigeria’s Court of Appeal in Abuja is affirming a previous judgment that restrains the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from proceeding with its national convention in Ibadan without allowing former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to participate as a chairmanship aspirant.
The appellate court rules that the political party acted in defiance of a valid court order when it conducted the convention despite an earlier directive from the Federal High Court.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the decision follows an appeal filed by the PDP challenging the ruling delivered on November 14 by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Lifu had earlier restrained the party from proceeding with its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan unless Sule Lamido was allowed the opportunity to participate in the race for the party’s national chairmanship position.
However, the PDP proceeded with the convention despite the court order, leading to further legal proceedings over the matter.
According to Mediaplusng.com, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal delivers a unanimous judgment affirming the earlier decision of the lower court.
The appellate court states that the action taken by the party in conducting the convention despite the subsisting court order amounts to contempt of court.
The panel emphasizes that judicial orders must be respected by all individuals and institutions regardless of their status or political affiliation.
In its ruling, the court notes that it is not in dispute that the PDP conducted the convention even while the restraining order remained in force.
The judges state that such action represents a clear disregard for the authority of the court.
According to the appellate court, parties involved in legal disputes must obey court orders until those orders are set aside or overturned through proper legal channels.
The court also rejects the argument presented by the PDP that the party proceeded with the convention based on a separate judgment issued by another court of coordinate jurisdiction.
The judges explain that no party involved in litigation has the authority to decide which court order to obey and which to ignore.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the court states that if the PDP believed the Federal High Court order was problematic, the proper legal step would have been to apply for a stay of execution or file an appeal against the ruling.
Such legal procedures, the court explains, are designed to allow disputes to be resolved within the framework of the judicial system.
The appellate panel further emphasizes that adherence to the rule of law remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic system.
In its judgment, the court commends the lower court for exercising jurisdiction in the case brought by Sule Lamido and granting the reliefs sought by the former governor.
The appellate court therefore concludes that the appeal filed by the PDP lacks merit and cannot succeed.
Consequently, the court dismisses the appeal in its entirety.
In addition, the Court of Appeal orders the PDP to pay a cost of two million naira as part of the judgment.
Legal experts say the award of costs serves as a penalty intended to discourage actions that undermine judicial authority.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the ruling reinforces the principle that court orders must be obeyed until they are lawfully set aside.
Legal analysts note that the judgment highlights the importance of respecting the judiciary in a democratic society.
They explain that court rulings help maintain order and ensure that political and institutional disputes are resolved peacefully through legal processes.
The case also draws attention to the growing number of political disputes that often find their way into Nigeria’s court system.
Observers say internal party conflicts, particularly those involving leadership positions, frequently lead to litigation among political stakeholders.
Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa State and a prominent figure within the PDP, had approached the court seeking the opportunity to participate in the contest for the party’s national chairmanship position.
His legal action centers on claims that he was denied the opportunity to take part in the process leading to the convention.
The Federal High Court initially ruled in his favor, prompting the directive that the party must allow him to participate before proceeding with the convention.
However, the PDP’s decision to go ahead with the event despite the court order led to the appeal proceedings that culminate in the latest judgment.
Political analysts say the case reflects the broader challenges faced by political parties in managing internal democratic processes.
They note that disputes over party leadership positions often trigger legal battles that can affect party unity and organizational stability.
Observers also emphasize that compliance with judicial decisions is essential for preserving public trust in both political institutions and the legal system.
The ruling by the Court of Appeal therefore sends a strong message about the consequences of disregarding court directives.
Legal experts say the judgment underscores the authority of the judiciary and reinforces the principle that no institution is above the law.
For now, the dismissal of the PDP’s appeal effectively upholds the earlier ruling delivered by the Federal High Court.
As the political implications of the judgment continue to unfold, attention is expected to shift to how the party responds to the court’s decision.
For Nigeria’s legal and political observers, the case remains a reminder that adherence to due process and respect for the rule of law are essential pillars of democratic governance.
