The Federal High Court in Abuja has penalized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for repeatedly delaying a lawsuit challenging the defection of three Kebbi State House of Assembly members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The case, filed in November 2024 and numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1389/2024, was brought before Justice Inyang Ekwo. The defendants include Hon. Umar Na’amore, Hon. Hashimu Usman Hilinboro, Hon. Yusuf Abubakar Tilli, the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, the assembly itself, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Although the PDP raised serious allegations of fraud and requested declaratory reliefs, it chose to initiate the suit via Originating Summons—a process typically used for uncomplicated and non-contentious legal matters. The court repeatedly questioned the appropriateness of this method given the complex nature of the case.
Furthermore, the PDP requested multiple adjournments early on, citing unpreparedness.
On March 3, 2025, Justice Ekwo fined the PDP a total of ₦1.4 million—₦150,000 to each of the six defendants and an additional ₦500,000 in administrative costs. He emphasized that judicial time must be respected and urged legal counsel to be better prepared to avoid obstructing justice.
At the following hearing on March 19, the PDP tried to introduce video evidence. Defense lawyers objected, arguing that the case’s complexity now required a full trial involving oral testimony and cross-examination. The court agreed, ruling that the matter could no longer proceed through Originating Summons.
Justice Ekwo then ordered the PDP to file formal pleadings within 14 days and serve them to all defendants, noting that the nature of the case had shifted significantly due to the new evidence and fraud claims.
As of this report, the PDP has yet to submit its Statement of Claim, despite the deadline having passed. The court is set to reconvene on May 7, 2025, and may take further steps at that time.