PDP North East Congress: Court Adjourns Hearing To 7th April, 2025

Following a case between Dr Nicholas E. Msheliza and two others as Claimants, against the Respondents/Defendants (People’s Democratic Party, the National Chairman of PDP, the National Vice Chairman, PDP northeast and four others over the conduct of the Party’s Zonal Congress held on Saturday 22nd February, 2025 in Bauchi State, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has on Tuesday adjourned the matter to the 7th April, 2025 for further proceedings.

Recall that, a suit filed by the claimant, Dr Nicholas E Msheliza and two others, against the Respondents (People’s Democratic Party, the National Chairman of PDP, the National Vice Chairman, PDP northeast and four others) was presided over by Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu.

Delivering the judgement on February 21, 2024 with suit No:FHC/ABJ/CS/298/2025, Justice Egwuatu ordered that: “the Respondents to show cause why the application should not be granted.

However, after serving ORIGINATING SUMMONS and ENROLLED ORDER of Affidavit to the PDP national Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Zone 5. Plot 1970 Michael Okpara Street, Wuse, Abuja by a Deponent, SULE AYUBA, Adult, Male, and a Bailiff of Federal High Court Headquarters, Abuja, the party defied the Court Order and conducted the election for the zonal committee members and national ex-officio for northeast.

They elected Alhaji Babangida Modibbo Umar as the new northeast Zonal Chairman on Saturday 22nd February, 2025.

In an affidavit, SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/298/2025 obtained by our Correspondent on Tuesday reads: ” I, SULE AYUBA, Adult, Male, Muslim, Nigerian Citizen and a Bailiff of Federal
High Court Headquarters, Abuja, do depose on oath and state as follows:That I am the above-named person and the deponent herein.

“That on the 21 day of February, 2025, I was given Court processes namely:
ORIGINATING SUMMONS and ENROLLED ORDER to effect service on the Defendants/Respondents at Peoples Democratic Party Secretariat, Wadata
Plaza, Zone 5. Plot 1970 Michael Okpara Street, Wuse, Abuja.

“That on the same date. I went to the above-mentioned address of
service, they collected the processes but asked me to come back on
Monday for acknowledgement receipt of the processes as it is already
beyond official working our.

“That on Monday, the 24th day of February, 2025, I went back to the
address of service and they acknowledged receipt of the processes.
That service has been effected.
That this Affidavit is required for both official and record purposes.
AND that I depose to this Affidavit in good faith and in accordance with the
provisions of the Oaths Act, 2004″.

The matter came up Tuesday before Hon. Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu of the Federal High Court for the Respondents to show cause why the Court Order should not be granted against the Respondents.

Gbenga A. Ashaolu Esq., Llm, A.A Ugboha, esq and Lucky A. Aghonghese, esq all from the Law office of Messr. Olasupo Ashaolu, SAN & Co appeared for the Claimants/Applicants, while the PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN appeared for the 1st Respondent/Defendant.

Also, J.J Usman SAN appeared for the 2nd-5th and 7th Respondents and Isiaka Kadiri Esq. appeared for the 6th Respondent/Defendant.

Upon hearing of the affidavit to show cause, Counsel to the Defendants claimed they were served on the 24th day of February, 2025.

But Counsel to the Plaintiffs in contention argued and informed the court that the Respondents/Defendants were served on Friday, the 21st day of February, 2025 and the Affidavit of Service deposed to by the bailiff proves same.

The Judge therefore in his discretion and agreement of Counsels adjourned the matter to the 7th April, 2025 for further proceedings.