A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a lawsuit that sought to force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and publish the names of the Kabiru Turaki‑led interim National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Background of the Case
The suit was filed by members of the Wabara‑led Board of Trustees, including former Niger State Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Prof. Jerry Gana, Chief Olabode George, Hajiya Maryam Ciroma, Hajiya Zainab Maina, Dame Esther Uduehi and the PDP itself. They asked the court to compel INEC to update its records and publish the interim executives’ names on its website, claiming that letters dated 4 May had already been submitted to the commission.
Objections and Joinder
INEC raised a preliminary objection, which the court upheld. A faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, led by National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, also applied to be joined as respondents, arguing that they represent the authentic PDP leadership and that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi. Justice Ibrahim granted the joinder applications, noting that the applicants’ interests would be affected by the outcome.
Court’s Ruling
After considering the preliminary objections, Justice Ibrahim held that the plaintiffs failed to show that INEC had recognised the purported interim NWC or that they had authority to sue on behalf of the party. The court described the suit as an abuse of court process and noted that the matter had become academic, given existing judgments that nullified the Ibadan convention which produced the Turaki‑led executives.
Additional Findings
The judge further ruled that the PDP’s name was improperly included in the suit because the plaintiffs lacked the party’s authorisation to act in its name. He also found the suit incompetent, as it was commenced by Originating Summons despite the contentious nature of the dispute, and upheld the arguments of the respondents, ultimately dismissing the case.
The judgment affirms the position that only the leadership recognised by INEC and validated by prior court decisions can be regarded as the legitimate PDP executive.
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