Abuja, Nigeria.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has issued a restraining order against the Department of State Service (DSS), the police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and seven other entities, preventing them from stopping or disrupting the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) congresses in Rivers State. These congresses aim to elect new officers for the party’s wards, local governments, and state levels, as well as to select ad-hoc and national delegates.
The ruling came in response to an ex-parte application filed by six members of the PDP in Rivers State. Justice Lifu directed the PDP, Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature to proceed with the congresses according to the party’s constitution, guidelines, adjusted timetable, and schedule of activities for 2024.
The judge emphasized that the PDP and its national officers must adhere strictly to the guidelines and timelines established for the congresses, pending the determination of a motion for an interlocutory injunction. Additionally, Justice Lifu prohibited the PDP and its officers from allowing individuals who did not obtain nomination or ad-hoc forms within the stipulated time frame to run for any elective positions.
The six PDP members—Aaron Chukwuemeka, Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris, and ThankGod Owhorji—who filed the motion were ordered to provide a fresh undertaking to indemnify the defendants. This undertaking would cover any potential costs assessed by the court should it later be determined that the restraining orders were granted based on misleading information.
The court has scheduled a hearing for August 15, where all parties involved in the motion on notice are expected to present their defenses.
