The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party challenging the October 31 judgment delivered by James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The earlier ruling restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the national convention the PDP scheduled to hold in Ibadan on November 15 and 16.
In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court resolved the four issues raised for determination against the PDP.
The court ruled that the appeal lacked merit, affirming that the Federal High Court acted correctly in delivering the October 31 judgment and granting all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
The appellate court also rejected the PDP’s argument that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case on the basis that the matter concerned the party’s internal affairs.
Furthermore, the court held that the plaintiffs possessed the locus standi—the legal right—to institute the suit in defence of their democratic rights. It also ruled that the PDP was not denied fair hearing, contrary to the claims made in its appeal.
In addition, the court ordered the PDP (Turaki group) to pay N2 million in costs for filing what it described as a frivolous appeal.
The appellate court is expected to hear other judgments and rulings related to disputes within the party.