The former governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido, has rejected a report claiming he abandoned his suit against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), allegedly clearing the path for its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Lamido, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday evening, dismissed the publication as “false”, noting that he began receiving calls from PDP members nationwide after the misinformation spread at the convention venue.
He clarified that “I urge members to note that the story attributed to me is false”, adding that the federal high court delivered a judgement around 2:30 p.m. affirming his right to contest the PDP chairmanship — a right he said was previously denied.
He said the court also halted the Ibadan convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 until the party complies with its ruling and further restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from participating in the process.
According to Lamido, “The certified order stopping the Ibadan convention has already been delivered to INEC and the PDP.”
He urged the public to disregard claims that he withdrew the suit after meeting with Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, stressing that the report was inaccurate and designed to mislead. He reiterated his commitment to pursuing his rights within the party through lawful channels.
Background
Earlier on Friday, a federal high court in Abuja issued a final ruling stopping the PDP from holding its national convention scheduled for Saturday, following a suit filed by Lamido.
The court had earlier granted a temporary order on November 11, pending the determination of the case after Lamido accused the party of denying him access to purchase the chairmanship nomination form.
In his judgement, presiding judge Peter Lifu ruled that Lamido was unfairly denied the chance to obtain the form in violation of the party’s constitution and internal rules.
The judge emphasized that the PDP is under a “strict” obligation to follow its own regulations by allowing qualified members to pursue their ambitions.
As a result, the court ordered the suspension of the convention to enable Lamido to obtain the form, mobilise supporters, and carry out his campaign.