The judge, during Thursday’s proceedings, warned all parties involved in the suit to refrain from taking any steps that could undermine the authority of the court or render its eventual decision meaningless. He cautioned that any attempt to resort to self-help would attract consequential sanctions.
Justice Omotosho’s warning came after counsel to the PDP, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), complained that the order had restrained the party from moving forward with preparations for its convention and requested an accelerated hearing of the matter.
The court, in response, assured parties that judgment would be delivered before the end of October to allow clarity on the planned convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“You and I as lawyers know the law — once a case is before a court, no party should take any step that could prejudice the matter,” the judge said. “This court will not be overreached. Any such act will be nullified.”
He further disclosed that he personally types his judgments to avoid unnecessary delays, pledging to deliver a timely verdict.
Meanwhile, the court fixed Monday, October 20, for definite hearing of the suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP South-South secretary). The plaintiffs are challenging the legality of the scheduled convention.
The defendants include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, and several top party officials, among them National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
The judge directed that all parties exchange their filed processes no later than October 17 to facilitate a speedy hearing.
