A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday as three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) vied for the right to represent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a suit challenging the Rivers State chapter’s congresses.
Justice Peter Lifu had previously issued an order permitting the PDP to proceed with its Rivers State congresses, scheduled for July 27, 2024. However, a group of PDP members loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, challenged the decision.
During Thursday’s proceedings, K.C.O. Njemanze, SAN, appeared for the plaintiffs, while Chief Ferdinand Orbih, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Sunday Ibrahim Ameh all claimed to represent the PDP, its acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Hon. Umar Bature.
The court intervened, directing the SANs to resolve the issue among themselves and adjourned the case to August 30 for a final determination of the legal representation. Justice Lifu also extended the previous order allowing the PDP congresses to proceed.
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Meanwhile, a separate group of individuals sought to be joined as defendants in the case. Their lawyer, Chief D.O. Okoro, SAN, brought this to the court’s attention.
The ongoing legal battle surrounding the PDP’s Rivers State congresses has seen multiple court orders and counter-orders, highlighting the internal divisions within the party.
