The motion to prevent the People’s Democratic Party, or PDP, from holding its scheduled state and local government congresses in Kaduna State has been denied by an Abuja-based Federal High Court.
Justice Peter Lifu, the trial judge, also denied a request to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from supervising the conduct of the congresses, which are intended to elect new party officers at the local and state levels.
The court declined to halt the polls while ruling on an ex-parte motion brought before it by six dissatisfied PDP members from Kaduna State.
After hearing the disgruntled members’ arguments through their lawyer, Mr. Affis Matanmi, the judge determined that their petitions for restraining orders against the behaviour of the congresses could not be granted and therefore denied the motion.
However, the judge directed the party and INEC to postpone any action on the case due to the pending suit against them.
The complaint, FHC/ABJ/CD/1144/2024, was filed by six plaintiffs who claim to be party cardholders in Kaduna State.
They are: Sheu Isa Ina, Mutari Shuiabu, Yusuf Suleiman, Nura Waziri, Malam Mansur Alasan, and Jaafar Abubakar.
The first, second, and third defendants in the suit are the PDP, the PDP Kaduna State Chapter, and INEC. Meanwhile, Justice Lifu has scheduled a hearing on the plaintiffs’ application on notice for an interlocutory injunction on August 27.
Bottom Line
The court’s decision to deny the ex-parte motion reflects a cautious approach, ensuring that any injunctions affecting the congresses are not granted without a full hearing of all parties involved.
This is important in maintaining a balance between the rights of the aggrieved members and the broader interest of the party and its members.
By setting a date for hearing the interlocutory injunction on notice, the judge is allowing for a more thorough examination of the case, which is in line with principles of fair justice.
