The Court of Appeal, Ibadan on Wednesday adjourned indefinitely the case involving the Peoples Democratic Party over its national elective convention held in Ibadan.
The appellate court granted the parties leave to resolve the dispute amicably outside the courtroom, encouraging a peaceful settlement. The panel of justices advised that if an agreement could not be reached, the parties are free to return to court for further proceedings.
The justices also called on counsel representing both sides to provide proper guidance to their clients to facilitate a smooth resolution. Lawyers were further cautioned to be mindful of time, especially in light of the recently released electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This case follows a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, Abuja that had invalidated the Ibadan convention. The convention, which produced Kabiru Turaki as the National Chairman, was challenged on multiple grounds.
In a unanimous decision delivered earlier this month, a three-member panel of the Abuja appellate court found the PDP’s appeal lacked merit, ruling against the party on all four issues raised and affirming the October 31 ruling of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. The lower court had granted all reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, including restraining INEC from recognising the outcome of the convention.
The Ibadan case remains pending, with the Court of Appeal urging the PDP and other involved parties to explore an out-of-court settlement before returning to the bench.
