By Lateef Ibrahim
The Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed sanctions on the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), for causing repeated delays in a suit challenging the defection of three members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1389/2024, was filed by the PDP in November 2024 before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
The Defendants in the case are Hon. Umar Na’amore, Hon. Hashimu Usman Hilinboro, Hon. Yusuf Abubakar Tilli, the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, the House of Assembly itself, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite raising serious allegations of fraud and seeking declaratory reliefs, the PDP initiated the matter via Originating Summons, a procedure reserved for cases involving straightforward and uncontested issues.
The Court expressed concern on multiple occasions over the party’s choice of procedure, given the complex and contentious nature of the claims.
The PDP also sought several adjournments during the early stages of the case, citing lack of preparedness.
On March 3, 2025, Justice Ekwo sanctioned the PDP, ordering it to pay N150,000 to each of the six defendants and an additional N500,000 in administrative costs, bringing the total fine to N1.4 million.
Justice Ekwo warned that the court’s time must not be wasted and highlighted the importance of thorough preparation by legal counsel. He also cautioned against delays that could obstruct the timely delivery of justice.
At the next hearing on March 19, 2025, the PDP attempted to introduce video evidence.
Defence counsel opposed the move, arguing that the complexity now demanded a full trial with oral testimony and cross-examination.
The court upheld the objection and ruled that the matter could no longer proceed by way of Originating Summons.
Justice Ekwo directed the PDP to file its pleadings within 14 days and serve them on the defendants, noting that the introduction of new evidence and fraud allegations had fundamentally changed the character of the case.
As of the time of filing this report, the PDP has yet to file its Statement of Claim, despite the expiration of the 14-day deadline. The court is expected to take further action when proceedings resume on May 7, 2025.
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