Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a significant ruling that affects the political landscape in Rivers State. The ruling restrains the Department of State Service (DSS), the police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and seven other entities from interfering with the scheduled congresses of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
These congresses are pivotal as they aim to elect new officers to manage the party’s affairs at the ward, local government, and state levels. Additionally, the congresses will elect ad-hoc and national delegates as outlined in the party’s constitution, guidelines, and the adjusted timetable for 2024.
The ruling came in response to an ex-parte application filed by six PDP members from Rivers State. Justice Lifu’s order compels the PDP and its national officers, including Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, to proceed with the congresses as scheduled. However, they must adhere strictly to the guidelines and schedule of activities for 2024 as published by the PDP.
Justice Lifu emphasized that the PDP and its national officers must ensure that only those who obtained the necessary nomination or ad-hoc forms within the stipulated time frame are allowed to run for any elective position within the party. This measure is to be maintained pending the determination of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction, which was filed alongside the ex-parte application.
In granting the ex-parte application, Justice Lifu also required the six PDP members to provide a fresh undertaking to indemnify the defendants. This indemnity will be assessed by the court should it later find that the restraining orders were granted based on misleading information. The judge has scheduled a hearing for August 15, where all parties involved in the motion on notice are expected to present their defenses.
The six PDP members who initiated the legal action are Aaron Chukwuemeka, Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris, and ThankGod Owhorji. Their application highlights ongoing tensions within the PDP as the party prepares for critical internal elections that will shape its leadership and delegate composition ahead of upcoming national activities.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring fair play and adherence to established guidelines within political parties. It also highlights the contentious nature of internal party elections and the lengths to which party members will go to ensure compliance with procedural rules. As the August 15 hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court in Abuja to see how this legal battle unfolds and what implications it will have for the PDP in Rivers State and beyond.
