The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led interim national working committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Justice Salim Ibrahim dismissed the case filed by the Adolphus Wabara-led PDP Board of Trustees faction, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the authority to institute the action on behalf of the party.
The ruling casts uncertainty over decisions taken by the Turaki-led faction, including its nomination of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its 2027 presidential candidate.
The suit sought an order directing INEC to recognise the interim NWC, but the PDP faction linked to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike joined the case, arguing that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing.
The court granted the joinder application, saying the faction’s interests would be affected by the outcome, and held that the matter had already been addressed by previous court decisions.
Justice Ibrahim also noted that INEC monitored the PDP convention that produced the Mohammed-led executives currently recognised by the commission.
The court struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction and awarded N70 million in costs against the plaintiffs, with an additional N10 million cost against their counsel.
