Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a clear directive aimed at preventing any interference from the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and several other agencies in the upcoming congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State.
This ruling, delivered in response to a legal motion from six PDP members in Rivers State, underscores the court’s determination to ensure a smooth electoral process for the party’s internal elections.
The PDP is gearing up for crucial congresses where new officials will be elected to manage party activities at the ward, local government, and state levels. These congresses also involve the selection of ad-hoc and national delegates, as per the party’s constitution and revised schedule for 2024.
Justice Lifu’s order specifically commands the PDP, along with its Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, to conduct the congresses as planned without any external interruptions. The judge highlighted the importance of following the party’s guidelines and timetable closely until a pending motion on notice is resolved.
In addition, the court’s ruling restricts the PDP and its leaders from allowing any candidate who has not submitted the required nomination or ad-hoc forms within the designated period to run for any position or delegate role within the party. This restriction will stay in place until further notice from the court.
The six PDP members who initiated the ex-parte application—Aaron Chukwuemeka, Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris, and ThankGod Owhorji—have been ordered to provide a new undertaking. This undertaking will serve as a guarantee to compensate the defendants if the court later finds that the restraining orders were issued based on false information.
Justice Lifu has scheduled a hearing for August 15, where all parties involved will have the opportunity to present their arguments regarding the motion on notice. This upcoming court date is expected to be a critical juncture in resolving the dispute and determining the future conduct of the PDP congresses in Rivers State.
