Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja took an unexpected turn on Friday after two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) separately announced appearances for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The development triggered confusion in the courtroom and highlighted the continuing leadership disputes within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The case, presided over by Justice Salim Ibrahim, was brought by the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and other party stakeholders seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise the party’s interim National Working Committee (NWC) allegedly headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
Suit Seeks Recognition of Interim PDP Leadership
The plaintiffs are asking the court to direct INEC to update its official records and website to reflect the Turaki-led interim leadership.
According to court documents, the interim NWC list was reportedly forwarded to INEC through official correspondence dated May 4 following decisions reached by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Among the plaintiffs are former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, former Niger State Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Professor Jerry Gana, Olabode George, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina and Dame Esther Uduehi.
The PDP itself is listed as the eighth plaintiff, while INEC is the sole defendant in the suit.
Courtroom Confusion Over PDP Representation
The most dramatic moment of the proceedings occurred when Gordy Uche (SAN) announced his appearance for all eight plaintiffs, including the PDP.
