The Nigerian political landscape was rocked by fresh turmoil this week after the Federal High Court in Abuja once again prevented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the nation’s main opposition party, from holding its planned National Convention. The convention, which was scheduled to take place on November 15th and 16th in Ibadan, was intended to elect new national officers and stabilise the party’s leadership.
Justice Peter Lifu issued an interim order restraining the PDP from proceeding, following an application filed by Sule Lamido, the former Governor of Jigawa State. Mr. Lamido, a veteran PDP member, has a vested interest in the party’s leadership, including seeking the position of National Chairman. He argued that allowing the convention to proceed without resolving the legal issues would cause him “greater hardship.”
In his ruling, Justice Lifu affirmed that the plaintiff’s application had merit and required the court’s intervention. He stressed that he saw no reason to depart from an earlier decision delivered by a colleague, Justice James Omotosho, on October 31st, 2025, which had similarly halted the convention.
Consequently, the court not only restrained the PDP from convening the event but also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring or officially recognising the convention until the substantive legal dispute is resolved.
This recurring internal crisis within a major political party highlights a severe economic risk associated with chronic political instability and deep institutional uncertainty. The continuous use of litigation to resolve party disputes diverts the focus of political leaders and policymakers away from urgent national economic crises, such as managing inflation and implementing structural reforms.
For the Nigerian economy, political stability is a critical indicator for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). When a major political entity is perpetually engulfed in chaos and court battles, it sends a negative signal to international investors, suggesting the entire political environment is volatile and unpredictable. This perception of high political risk can deter crucial capital inflow, suppress job creation, and slow down the necessary long-term planning required to achieve sustained economic growth. As one analyst, who requested anonymity due to the political sensitivity of the matter, commented, “The economy functions best when policy is predictable. Endless political wrangling, even in opposition, translates into economic anxiety and delays in critical public sector reforms, costing the nation dearly in terms of missed opportunities.”
The party’s leadership struggles have also flared up in the regions. PDP leaders in Ekiti State recently warned against alleged attempts by “enemies of the party” to overturn the result of a governorship primary, while colleagues in Oyo State have even petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) regarding alleged judicial misconduct in separate, related cases.
The PDP Convention case, which has attracted widespread political attention, is scheduled to continue as the court allows all parties more time to file and exchange necessary processes, leaving the party’s leadership structure in limbo.
