Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, issued a stern warning to parties in a suit seeking to halt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s planned national convention, cautioning against any act that could undermine the authority of the court.
The judge reaffirmed that the interim order maintaining the status quo remains in effect, and warned that any party attempting to circumvent the judicial process could face serious consequences.
“No party should take any step that may render the decision of this court nugatory.
The court will not hesitate to make consequential orders against anyone who resorts to self-help, ” he said.
The warning came in response to a complaint by counsel to the PDP, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, who urged the court to expedite hearing in the suit, noting that the order was hampering the party’s preparations for its scheduled convention.
Justice Omotosho assured that the court was committed to delivering judgment swiftly to enable all parties to know their legal standing, but cautioned against delay tactics.
The court also witnessed a fresh legal tussle over who is authorised to represent the PDP in the suit.
Both Chief Chris Uche, SAN, and Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN who is the party’s National Legal Adviser—maintained that they were the rightful counsel for the PDP.
Justice Omotosho, in response, directed both lawyers to file the necessary legal documents to establish their claims, so the court could determine the valid representative.
He adjourned the matter to October 20 for hearing of the substantive suit and other pending motions.
He also ordered that all parties must exchange their filed processes no later than October 17, to allow for accelerated proceedings.
The suit was filed by Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP South-South Secretary), seeking to stop the PDP from holding its planned national convention on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC) were listed as 1st to 6th defendants in the suit.
Earlier this week, an open disagreement arose between Ajibade and PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, over the party’s legal representation.
While Damagum authorised Uche to appear for the PDP in a signed letter, Ajibade insisted that only he had the authority to appoint legal counsel on behalf of the party.
The legal battle over the convention is expected to have significant implications for the leadership structure of the party, as new national officers are scheduled to be elected during the planned convention.
