Francis Orogu, PDP Chairman Nasarawa State
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the court on September 27, 2024, gave the restraining order and extended it on October 2, on the application by the counsel to the plaintiffs.
The court directive followed a motion filed by the plaintiffs, 16 members of the party led by Sen. Mohammed Ogoshi-Onawo (PDP, Nasarawa South).
The plaintiffs filed a case against PDP (first respondent), Mr. Francis Orogu, PDP Chairman (second respondent), and the State Working Committee of the party (third respondent).
Justice Abdullahi Shams-Shammah extended the order in his ruling on Tuesday after listening to arguments from the counsels to the plaintiffs and respondents.
On whether the court can proceed before deciding on the preliminary objections, Shams-Shammah ruled against the respondents.
The Presiding Justice also directed that the status quo be maintained and adjourned the case to Wednesday, October 23, for ruling on the preliminary objections on the jurisdiction of the court to handle the matter.
Earlier in his address, Ishaka Mudi-Dikko, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), argued that the extension was necessary because the party was planning to hold LG congresses on October 12.
He told the court that the respondents had already violated the court order by conducting ward congresses and were planning to conduct another congress.
He, therefore, urged the court to nullify all the actions taken by PDP in violation of its order.
On their part, Ucha Olegede and Jacob Nzamanah, counsels to the respondents, said that they have already filed preliminary objections concerning the jurisdiction of the court.
They argued that the court cannot proceed until it rules on the preliminary objections.
Following the ruling against them, counsel to the respondents requested an adjournment to enable them to prepare to address the court on the next adjourned date. (NAN).