The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been sanctioned by the Federal High Court in Abuja for repeatedly delaying a lawsuit contesting the defection of three members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The case was brought by the PDP before Justice Inyang Ekwo in November 2024 and was designated FHC/ABJ/CS/1389/2024.
The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, the House of Assembly itself, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Umar Na’amore, Hon. Hashimu Usman Hilinboro, and Hon. Yusuf Abubakar Tilli are the defendants in this case.
In spite of making claims of fraud and requesting declaratory relief, the PDP started the action through Originating Summons, a process only used in situations with simple, uncontested matters.
Given the complex and controversial nature of the allegations, the court has repeatedly voiced concerns about the party’s choice of process.
Citing a lack of preparation, the PDP also requested multiple adjournments in the early phases of the case.
Justice Ekwo sanctioned the PDP on March 3, 2025, requiring it to pay N1.4 million in fines, which included N150,000 to each of the six defendants and an extra N500,000 for administrative expenses.
Justice Ekwo emphasized the significance of careful preparation by legal counsel and cautioned that the court’s time must not be wasted. He also issued a warning against any delays that would prevent justice from being served on time.
On March 19, 2025, the PDP made an attempt to present video evidence at the subsequent hearing.
The action was opposed by the defence counsel, who claimed that the intricacy now required a full trial that included cross-examination and oral testimony.
However, the court maintained the objection and declared that originating summons was no longer an option.
Noting that the case had changed significantly due to the emergence of fresh evidence and fraud charges, Justice Ekwo instructed the PDP to file its pleadings within 14 days and serve them on the defendants.
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