What’s Happening in Court with the PDP?

On Thursday, something interesting happened at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Three important lawyers said they were representing Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They were there because of a case about the PDP’s congresses in Rivers State.

What Did the Judge Say?

Last month, Judge Peter Lifu told the PDP, the Election Commission (INEC), and security agencies not to stop the party’s meetings. These meetings were planned for July 27, 2024. He asked everyone to come back on August 15 for another hearing. This case was started by six supporters of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Who Showed Up in Court?

When the case was called on Thursday, a lawyer named K. C. O. Njemanze said he was there for the people who started the case. Then, two other big lawyers, Chief Ferdinand Orbih and Kamaldeen Ajibade, both stood up and said they were representing the PDP and other related people.

The judge asked Chief Ferdinand Orbih to speak first. When he finished, Kamaldeen Ajibade spoke. But then, another lawyer, Sunday Ibrahim Ameh, also said he was representing the same people.

Judge Wants Lawyers to Sort It Out

The judge, hearing all this confusion, asked the lawyers to discuss and figure out who represents who. Chief Ferdinand Orbih asked for a short break to do this. The judge agreed and moved the next hearing to August 30.

The judge said, “We will meet again on August 30 to see who will represent the first to fourth defendants. If you can’t decide, you must show proof that you were chosen by your clients.”

Next Steps

At the next hearing, all the requests and motions will be reviewed. The judge also said his previous orders still stand. This means the PDP and security people cannot stop the congresses in Rivers State until the main case is decided.

New People Want to Join the Case

Other people also want to join this case. Their lawyer, Chief D. O. Okoro, told the court they have a motion for joining. These people include David Omereji, Prince Solomon Eke, Isoboye Tobin, and others.

Background Information

Earlier, another judge, Sobere Hambo, had stopped the PDP from holding meetings in different locations because of another case. But Judge Lifu later allowed the PDP to proceed with their planned meetings on July 27, 2024, as long as they followed all the rules and guidelines.

The judge made sure to say that anyone running for office in these meetings must have applied properly. If not, they can’t participate.

What Now?

The plaintiffs were asked to make a promise to pay damages if the court found out later it was misled. The amount for damages will be decided by the court.

The six people who started the case are Hon Aaron Chukwuemeka, Dr. Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris, and ThankGod Owhorji. The defendants are PDP, Damagum, Anyanwu, Bature, INEC, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Director General, State Security Service (SSS), and DSS.

Stay tuned for more updates after the next hearing!