ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP,) on Wednesday told the Supreme Court of Nigeria that courts lack jurisdiction to interfere in its internal affairs.
This is coming after the apex court reserved judgment in appeals and cross-appeals arising from the party’s leadership crisis.
The case, which has already reshaped the party’s structure, stems from earlier rulings that nullified the PDP’s Ibadan convention and upheld the suspension of key officials.
In a statement issued after proceedings, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said all parties adopted their respective processes before the court reserved judgment to a date yet to be communicated.
The appeals challenge judgments delivered by Justices Omotosho and Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, which were subsequently affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
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The appellate court had upheld the trial court’s decision nullifying the PDP convention held in Ibadan and sustaining the suspension of several party officers, including Samuel Anyanwu and A.K. Ajibade, SAN.
Dissatisfied with the rulings, the PDP approached the apex court, insisting that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction, arguing that the matter concerns the party’s internal affairs.
On their part, the respondents, led by Anyanwu, filed a cross-appeal, urging the court to set aside aspects of the judgment that upheld the suspension of Ajibade, Anyanwu and others.
“All parties adopted their respective processes,” Ememobong said.
He added: “We charge all true and uncompromised PDP members to keep their faith alive.”
The party also expressed optimism that the Supreme Court would deliver a judgment capable of preserving Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and preventing a drift towards 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,” Ememobong said.
The apex court is expected to communicate a date for judgment to counsel after hearing all arguments in the matter involving the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the party.