A Federal High Court in Abakiliki has issued an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the Steve Oruruo-led Ebonyi State Caretaker Committee of the PDP.
News About Nigeria reports that this decision was made by Justice Hillary Oshomah while ruling on a motion on notice filed by a former state chairman of the party, Silas Ọnụ, against the party and INEC.
It said the order will remain in effect until the hearing and determination of the originating summons in the matter.
The order barred from recognising the caretaker committee is the national leadership of the PDP.
The PDP has been experiencing internal conflicts, which began before the 2023 general elections and have continued unabated, leading to significant factionalization within the party.
Many prominent members have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an attempt to restore peace, the National Working Committee appointed a caretaker committee, led by Steve Oruruo, to manage the party’s affairs.
However, this move sparked fresh controversy, prompting more key figures, such as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, to join the APC.
In response to these developments, Onu filed a motion on notice on June 20, 2024, seeking to restrain the PDP from appointing the Chairman, Secretary, and Members of the Caretaker Committee pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.
Additionally, he requested an order barring PDP and INEC from recognising anyone appointed to these positions by the National Organising Secretary.
During the hearing on July 19, counsel for the PDP, Godwin Ngwuta, indicated that the party would not oppose the application.
Consequently, Justice Oshomah granted the applicant’s prayers, prohibiting INEC and the PDP from recognising the Ebonyi State Caretaker Committee.
He emphasised that all parties involved should be aware of the ongoing legal action and maintain the status quo to avoid actions that could compromise the subject matter of the case.
