PDP Crisis: Makarfi’s faction challenges suspension of convention

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by Ahmed Makarfi has challenged a court ruling suspending its schedule national convention slated for Wednesday.

                                                            

Ferdinand Orbih, counsel to the Makarfi faction told the court that his client was challenging the jurisdiction of the court and that they were also seeking a stay of execution of the order.

Justice Okon Abang had ordered the suspension of the convention after learning that the Makarfi faction had secured an order from a federal court in Port Harcourt mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission and security operatives to participate in the convention.

Mr. Abang said the exparte motion was an abuse of court process.

But at Tuesday’s sitting, Mr. Orbih said his client was challenging the ruling.

Asked whether the application was already before the court, the registrar said the application was not before the court.

Mr. Abang cited a previous Supreme Court judgement which said a court was only bounded by processes before it.

“So it is my view that the processes mentioned by the counsel to 3rd and 9th defendant is not within the knowledge of the court and therefore he would not depart from the decision of the Apex Court,” said Mr. Abang.

“The application lacks merit and is hereby dismissed,” he stated.