Court bars INEC from recognizing PDP Caretaker leadership in Ebonyi
ABAKILIKI-THE Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from recognizing the Steve Oruruo led Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State.
The court also stopped the national leadership of the party from recognizing the caretaker committee.
The former state Chairman of the party, Barr. Silas Onu has approached the Court seeking an injunction to stop INEC and PDP from recognizing the caretaker committee.
The PDP in the state has been embroiled in crisis which began in the run up to the 2023 general elections, resulting in its factionalization.
The appointment of an Enugu State indigene, Steve Oruruo as Chairman of the Caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party fueled a fresh crisis in the party leading to exit of some notable members, including former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim who has since joined the APC.
In the Motion on Notice filed on June 20, 2024, Onu has prayed the court for an order restraining the PDP from appointing the Chairman, Secretary and Members of the Caretaker Committee pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons.
He also prayed the court for an order barring the 1st (PDP) and 2nd INEC Defendants/Respondents from recognizing anyone appointed as Chairman, Secretary, and members of Peoples Democratic Party, Ebonyi State Chapter Caretaker Committee by the National Organizing Secretary, pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons.
When the matter came up for hearing on 19th of July, Counsel to the PDP, Godwin Ngwuta told the court that the party is not inclined to oppose the application.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Oshomah granted the prayers of the applicant and barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the PDP National leadership from recognizing the Ebonyi State chapter Caretaker Committee of the party.
“That the 1st and 2nd Defendants are by Order of this Honourable Court barred from recognizing anyone appointed as Chairman, Secretary and Members of Peoples Democratic Party, Ebonyi State Chapter Caretaker Committee by the National Organizing Secretary pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons”, the judge ordered.
Justice Oshomah further ordered all Parties in the matter “to take note of the pendency of this action and maintain status quo ante bellum by the virtue of the doctrine of lis pending and not to embark on any act or conduct capable of destroying the res and subject matter of this action”.
They are also not allowed to “take any step calculated to or with the potential of rendering nugatory the outcome or any decision of this Honourable Court on the substantive action”, he added.
