Court Bars INEC, PDP from Recognising Ebonyi Caretaker Committee

The Abakaliki Division of the Federal High Court has prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from recognising the Steve Oruruo-led caretaker committee of the Ebonyi State chapter of the PDP.

The injunction, issued by Justice Hillary Oshomah, came in response to a motion filed by former state party chairman Silas Ọnụ against both INEC and the PDP. This court order will remain effective until the hearing and determination of the originating summons in the case.

The Ebonyi State PDP has been plagued by internal conflict since the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, significantly impacting its electoral performance. The ongoing crisis has led to notable defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including prominent figures like ex-Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim.

The turmoil intensified when the PDP’s National Working Committee appointed a caretaker committee headed by Steve Oruruo, an Enugu State indigene. This appointment sparked further discord within the party, prompting additional departures of key members to the APC.

In a motion filed on June 20, 2024, Mr. Onu sought an order to prevent the PDP from appointing officials to the caretaker committee until the originating summons is heard and decided. He also requested that INEC and the PDP be barred from recognising any such appointments made by the National Organizing Secretary.

When the case was heard on July 19, Counsel to the PDP, Godwin Ngwuta, indicated that the party would not oppose the application. Consequently, Justice Oshomah granted Mr. Onu’s request, thereby prohibiting INEC and the PDP from recognising the caretaker committee.

Justice Oshomah stated: “The 1st and 2nd Defendants are by Order of this Honourable Court barred from recognizing anyone appointed as Chairman, Secretary and Members of Peoples Democratic Party, Ebonyi State Chapter, Caretaker Committee by the National Organizing Secretary pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons.”

Additionally, the judge ordered all parties involved to maintain the status quo and refrain from actions that could undermine the court’s pending decision on the substantive matter.