The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the October 31 judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the national convention planned by the PDP for Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.

 

 

 

In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel of the appellate court dismissed the appeal on grounds that it lacked merit.

 

 

 

The court held that the appeal by the PDP was without merit and that the Federal High Court was right to have delivered the October 31 judgment and granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.

 

 

 

Already, some PDP leaders from both sides are in court.

 

The Court of Appeal faulted the PDP’s claim that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case on the grounds that the issues involved were solely the internal affairs of the party.

 

 

 

The court also held that the plaintiffs had the locus standi (the right) to institute the suit to protect their democratic rights and that the PDP was not denied fair hearing, as it claimed in its appeal.

 

 

 

The court further awarded the sum of N2 million as costs against the PDP (Turaki group) for filing a frivolous appeal. The court will hear other Judgements and rulings of the party.

 

 

 

Some PDP leaders from both sides were present as the appellate court delivered judgement.