Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissing its suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and list members of the party’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC).
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, the BoT described the ruling as unacceptable, insisting that it contradicts existing decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court on the matter.
According to the party’s highest advisory body, the suit was instituted to compel INEC to comply with what it described as binding judgments of the appellate and apex courts regarding the recognition of the PDP’s Interim National Working Committee.
Reacting to the court’s decision, the BoT said it received the judgment “with utter dismay,” arguing that the ruling undermines the authority of higher courts and the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.
The statement read: “The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received with utter dismay, the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which in the most inexplicable manner dismissed the suit filed by the Board seeking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obey the extant judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court by listing the members of the party’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC).”
The BoT maintained that the High Court lacked the authority to make pronouncements that, in its view, conflicted with decisions already reached by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
“The BoT strongly rejects the decision of the High Court which is a direct affront to the superior authority of the Court of Appeal, the supremacy of the Supreme Court, the integrity of the Institution of the Judiciary and the sanctity of the law,” the statement added.
The party further expressed concern over what it described as the court’s recognition of actions taken by individuals whose suspension and expulsion had allegedly been affirmed by the higher courts.
It also questioned why the High Court made pronouncements affecting individuals who were not parties to the suit.
“It is rather strange that the High Court went beyond its bounds and arrogated itself powers to make pronouncements over and above the pronouncements of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court by recognizing the actions of individuals whose suspension and expulsion from the party had been upheld by the two superior courts.
“Equally strange is that the High Court went outside the issues before it to make pronouncements in favour of individuals that were not parties in the case.”
The Board insisted that the judgment would not withstand further judicial scrutiny and pledged to pursue all lawful avenues to challenge the decision.
“It is clear that this judgment against the PDP and democracy in Nigeria cannot stand in the face of the law. The BoT is therefore determined to take every step within the ambit of the law to ensure that justice is done in the matter.”
While appealing to members and supporters of the party to remain calm, the BoT disclosed that it would soon convene an emergency meeting to determine its next line of action.
“While urging teeming members and supporters of our party to remain focused, the BoT reassured that it will in a couple of days hold an emergency meeting and inform party members and Nigerians on the way forward.”
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja
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