Drama in Court as Two Senior Lawyers Claim Representation of PDP in Suit Against INEC

Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday witnessed a moment of tension after two senior lawyers separately announced appearances for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a suit instituted by the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, against the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC).

The case, assigned to Justice Salim Ibrahim, seeks a court order directing INEC to officially recognise the interim National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and reflect the leadership on its official website.

The suit was jointly filed by the PDP and members of its Board of Trustees, who are asking the court to compel INEC to update its records in line with the interim NWC allegedly submitted by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

According to the plaintiffs, the list containing members of the Turaki-led interim NWC was formally forwarded to INEC through letters dated May 4.

Among those listed as plaintiffs are former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; BoT Secretary, and former Niger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu; former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana; and PDP stalwart, Olabode George.

Also joined in the suit are former Ministers of Women Affairs, Maryam Ciroma and Zainab Maina, as well as BoT and NEC member, Dame Esther Uduehi. The PDP is listed as the eighth plaintiff, while INEC remains the sole defendant.

The courtroom atmosphere became tense when Gordy Uche, SAN, announced his appearance for all eight plaintiffs, including the PDP.

Shortly after, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sunday Ameh, also rose to announce his appearance for the PDP, creating uncertainty over who officially represented the party.

The conflicting representations caused noticeable confusion in court and briefly disrupted proceedings.

The court, however, adjourned the suit to 30th June to rule on the application on proper representation of parties in the suit.