Nigerian court dismisses PDP leadership suit, backs Wike faction

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The faction sought an order for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize its leadership.

Justice Salim Ibrahim declared the suit an abuse of court process, finding it unmeritorious and lacking in merit. The judge also agreed with INEC's preliminary objection, stating the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. This decision affirms the leadership of the Mohammed Abdulrahman-led PDP faction, which is loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

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an abuse of court process, unmeritorious and lacking in merit.

The Wabara-led BoT members, including former Senate President Wabara, BoT Secretary Muazu Babangida Aliyu, and ex-Minister Jerry Gana, had sought to have the PDP interim National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabir Turaki recognized by INEC. They had forwarded the names of the Turaki-led NWC members to the electoral umpire on May 4.

However, the court struck out the PDP as a plaintiff and agreed with the Abdulrahman-led faction that the initial plaintiffs lacked the authority to file the case on behalf of the party. The suit was filed on June 4, with Chief Chris Uche, SAN, leading the legal team for the plaintiffs.

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the preliminary objections filed by all the defendants succeed.