By Our Reporter
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) appeal against the October 31 judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court. The original ruling restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a unanimous decision on Monday, a three-member appellate panel resolved four issues against the PDP, declaring the party’s appeal without merit. The court confirmed that the Federal High Court acted correctly in granting the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
The appeal court also rejected the PDP’s claim that the trial court lacked jurisdiction, affirming that the plaintiffs had the standing to institute the suit to protect their democratic rights. The PDP’s allegation of being denied a fair hearing was also dismissed.
Additionally, the court awarded ₦2 million in costs against the PDP for filing a frivolous appeal. The court has yet to deliver judgments on the remaining eight appeals related to the case.
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