Supreme Court on Wednesday heard appeals and cross-appeals stemming from the ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reserved judgment to a later date.
The appeals arose from earlier rulings of the Court of Appeal, which upheld judgments delivered by Justices Omotosho and Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. The lower courts had nullified the party’s convention held in Ibadan and affirmed the suspension of A.K. Ajibade, SAN, alongside other former party officers, including Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, the apex court heard arguments from all parties involved, who adopted their respective legal processes before the court reserved judgment to a date that will be communicated to counsel.
Background to the Dispute
The Court of Appeal had earlier affirmed the Federal High Court’s decision that invalidated the PDP convention held in Ibadan. The appellate court also upheld the suspension of A.K. Ajibade, SAN, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and other affected party officials.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the PDP approached the Supreme Court, asking the apex court to set aside the judgments of the lower courts. The party argued that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case, describing it as an internal party matter.
On the other hand, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and other respondents filed a cross-appeal, urging the Supreme Court to overturn aspects of the judgment that upheld their suspension from the party.
After hearing the submissions of counsel to all parties, the Supreme Court reserved judgment.
PDP Urges Members to Remain Hopeful
Reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Comrade Ini Ememobong, urged party members to remain steadfast as they await the final decision of the apex court.
“We charge all true and uncompromised PDP members to keep their faith alive, in the unwavering hope that the apex court will deliver judgments that will preserve multi-party democracy and prevent the imminent enthronement of a one-party state.
“The Supreme Court has, at several times in the history of our non-linear democratic experience, remained the last hope of Nigeria and Nigerians, even in the face of immense pressure and unimaginable risk”, he said.
The ruling of the Supreme Court is expected to play a decisive role in resolving the lingering leadership tussle within the opposition party and shaping the future of internal party governance ahead of upcoming political activities.