Supreme Court Holds Off on Ruling in PDP Leadership Dispute

By Umar Sani
Proceedings at the Supreme Court of Nigeria began promptly at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, with Justices led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the presiding judge, arriving on time. The courtroom was notably tense, reflecting the high-stakes nature of several politically sensitive appeals, including those involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Once the panel was formed, proceedings started without delay.

During the session, the Court heard a series of appeals and cross-appeals arising from a lengthy leadership crisis within the PDP. These cases arose from decisions of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the judgments of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, delivered by Justices Omotosho and Lifu. The lower courts nullified the party’s Ibadan convention and upheld the suspension of certain officials, including Senator Samuel Anyanwu and A.K. Ajibade, SAN.
Displeased with those rulings, the PDP appealed to the Supreme Court, mainly arguing that the courts lacked jurisdiction over internal political party matters. The affected officials, led by Senator Anyanwu, filed cross-appeals challenging the validity of the findings, particularly regarding their suspensions.
During the hearing, Senior Advocates of Nigeria presented their briefs and made oral submissions. Leading the respondents’ side, J. B. Daudu, SAN, highlighted the ongoing cross-appeals and substitutions and urged the Court to decide in favor of the respondents. In a related case involving the PDP and Sule Lamido, Paul Erokoro, SAN, defended the appellants, with him urging the court to uphold their appeal and dismiss that of the respondents. The Court then reserved judgment.
In the appeal dealing with Justice Omotosho's decision, Chris Uche, SAN, alongside JB Daudu, argued points on both substantive and jurisdictional issues, including whether the originating process was valid. Chief Chris Uche argued that both the trial and appellate courts lacked jurisdiction over the matter. At the same time, JB Daudu emphasized that the case was not an internal party affair, as it is justiciable. After hearing all parties, the panel reserved judgment.
The proceedings also covered a related case involving interests linked to David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Nafiu Bala. Jibrin Samuel Okutepa SAN, representing the ADC, appeared for David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, while a senior counsel represented Nafiu Bala. After reviewing briefs and oral arguments, the Court reserved judgment in this matter as well.
At the end of the session, just before noon, the Court adjourned and reserved judgment on all cases to be communicated to counsel. During the hearing, the presiding Justice, who was friendly and jovial, warned against movement within the courtroom, stressing that such behavior could disrupt proceedings and hinder the fair administration of justice. This was because, shortly after the PDP-related cases, people were filing out of the courtroom in large numbers.