The Abia State High Court, sitting in Bende under Justice C.U. Okorafor, has nullified the 2024 ward and local government congresses conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State. The court also set aside the councillorship and chairmanship primaries held for the November 2, 2024 local government elections.
The ruling followed a legal challenge initiated by PDP chieftain Enyinnaya Ogbu, who contested the legitimacy of the congresses. His suit, marked HB/5/2024, listed key defendants, including the PDP national leadership and the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC).
Delivering judgment, Justice Okorafor ruled in favor of Ogbu, granting all reliefs sought by the claimant. He cited previous cases, including Suit No. HB/3/2024, to reinforce his position that the party’s electoral processes were in violation of existing court orders.
Reacting to the verdict, the claimant’s counsel, Mr. O.O. Amuzie, hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy, justice, and equity, asserting that it reinforces the rule of law in party politics.
However, PDP legal counsel Ukpai Ukairo announced that the party would appeal the decision, arguing that internal congresses remain the prerogative of the party, beyond judicial intervention. He further indicated plans to file a stay of execution, expressing confidence in securing a favorable outcome at the appellate court.
With the PDP poised to challenge the ruling, the unfolding legal battle promises to shape the party’s electoral trajectory in Abia State ahead of the November polls.
AT Reporter
