Those who have been waiting for the position of the Supreme Court on the disagreement between the two factions of the PDP-controlled by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike on one hand, and the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde on the other-may have to wait a little longer to know what political steps to take.
The apex court heard the cross appeals brought by the two factions on Wednesday, but reserved judgment till a date that would be communicated to the parties.
This means the fate of members of either of the factions is still hanging. It comes a day after the Wike faction had released a time table for the conduct of primaries for the general elections.
But it would be risky for any aspirant to take a step towards contesting for the party’s primary elections until the judgment has been given.
The appeals and cross-appeals arose from judgments of the Court of Appeal, as well as those of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, delivered by Justices Omotosho and Lifu, were heard today by the Supreme Court. The Court has reserved judgment to a later date.
The Court of Appeal had upheld the judgments of Justices Omotosho and Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, and consequently nullified the convention of the Party held in Ibadan. The Court also upheld the suspension of A.K. Ajibade, SAN, and other former officers of the Party, including Sen. Samuel Anyanwu.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, the party appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking, among other reliefs, a declaration that both the trial court and the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, same being a suit emanating from the internal affairs of the Party.
Also dissatisfied, the respondents (Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and others who are loyal to Wike) filed a cross-appeal, seeking to set aside the decision of the Court as it relates to the suspension of A.K. Ajibade, SAN, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, and others.
Spokesman of the Makinde faction said in a statement on Wednesday after the court session that PDP members “should keep their faith alive, in the unwavering hope that the apex court will deliver judgments that will preserve multi-party democracy and prevent the imminent enthronement of a one-party state. The Supreme Court has, at several times in the history of our non-linear democratic experience, remained the last hope of Nigeria and Nigerians, even in the face of immense pressure and unimaginable risk.
