Ogun PDP Crisis: Court Fixes December 1 For Judgement Delivery

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed Thursday December 1, 2022, for the delivery of judgement on the Ogun Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship tussle.

Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal and Oladipupo Adebutu, both Governorship aspirants, are laying claim and counter-claim to the ticket of the Party.

Justice Inyang Ekwo has  fixed the said date to bring an end to the bickering.

Jimi Lawal who contested the May 25 governorship primary election of PDP had challenged the emergence of Oladipupo Adebutu alleging that unlawful and invalid delegates list was fraudulently used by PDP to conduct the election.

Among others, Lawal  prayed that the purported Primary election of May 25 be cancelled and another one be conducted with the authentic Adhoc delegates.

However, Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in his judgment delivered on July 29 declined to hear the suit filed by Jimi Lawal on merit on the grounds that the Primary election was a domestic affair of any political party and dismissed the suit.

It would be recalled that the Supreme Court had on November 21 ordered the Federal High Court to hear on merit, the suit instituted against PDP and Adebutu by Lawal.

Justice Ibrahim Saulawa who read the ruling of the Apex Court ordered a speedy hearing of the suit after holding that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction to entertain the case.

During proceedings on Thursday, Justice Ekwo, in compliance with the Supreme Court order, heard the case expeditiously in view of the fact that the case would lapse by December 2.

The Judge said that he would do everything possible to deliver judgment  on December 1.

At the proceedings, Kanu Agabi, SAN and Ola Olanipekun, SAN stood for the plaintiff while Chris Uche, SAN, argued for PDP and Oladipupo Adebutu.

While Agabi prayed the court to grant the request of his client, Uche opposed the request and urged the court to dismiss the case on three grounds.