Federal High Court Extends Interim Order Against INEC, PDP Over 26 Defected Rivers Lawmakers

Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has extended the interim order, issued on December 15, restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from taking any action against the 26 Rivers House of Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The extension of the order came in response to an application by the lawmakers’ counsel, Steve Adehi, SAN, supported by Ken Njemanze, SAN, representing the Rivers House of Assembly. Despite opposition from PDP’s lawyer, Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, Justice Okorowo invoked the court’s discretionary power, emphasizing the interest of justice.

The court adjourned the matter until January 24 for the hearing of the applications. The initial order restrained INEC from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of the defected assembly members.

During the hearing, Adehi sought an adjournment due to changes in representation and the late service of responses by the PDP. Njemanze informed the court of his new role representing the assembly and emphasized the need for an adjournment to respond to PDP’s processes.

PDP’s lawyer, Ajibade, challenged the court’s jurisdiction and the competence of the suit. He prayed for an order discharging the interim order granted on December 15. While aligning with the request for an adjournment, he aimed to sort out processes served on the previous counsel.

Although there were attempts to resolve the dispute politically, with the involvement of President Bola Tinubu, the court proceedings remained crucial. The clerk of the assembly, represented by Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, indicated a lack of service but remained open to consultation.

In summary, the court granted an extension of the interim order, acknowledging the evolving circumstances and legal complexities in the case. The next hearing is scheduled for January 24, highlighting the ongoing legal battle over the defection of the 26 Rivers House of Assembly members.