The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging a Federal High Court judgment that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention had been scheduled to be held on November 15 and 16.
Delivering a unanimous judgment on Monday, a three-member panel of the appellate court held that the appeal filed by the PDP lacked merit.
The panel resolved the four issues raised for determination against the party and affirmed the October 31 ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The lower court had granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, including restraining INEC from recognising the outcome of the planned convention.
The Court of Appeal rejected the PDP’s argument that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit because the issues raised were internal affairs of the party.
According to the appellate court, the plaintiffs had the legal standing to institute the case in defence of their democratic rights.
The panel also ruled that the PDP was not denied a fair hearing, contrary to the claims made in its appeal.
In its ruling, the appellate court ordered the PDP to pay a cost of ₦2 million for filing what it described as a frivolous appeal.
The court is yet to deliver decisions in eight other related appeals connected to the matter, which include challenges to earlier judgments and rulings in the case.
The PDP has been on a downward trend as the battle for the soul of the party continues. The internal crisis has since resulted in key members leaving the party, including lawmakers and governors.
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