A Federal High Court in Abuja has sanctioned the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over repeated delays in a suit against three Kebbi lawmakers accused of defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP filed the case- Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1389/2024 – in November 2024, before Justice Inyang Ekwo. The Defendants are Hon. Umar Na’amore, Hon. Hashimu Usman Hilinboro, Hon. Yusuf Abubakar Tilli, the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, the Kebbi State House of Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Although the claims sought declaratory reliefs on heavily contested and contentious facts, including allegations of fraud, the PDP initiated the matter using Originating Summons- a method meant for simple, uncontested legal questions. The court repeatedly expressed concerns about the appropriateness of this approach.
During early proceedings, the PDP asked for multiple adjournments, citing lack of readiness. On March 3, 2025, Justice Ekwo condemned the delays and sanctioned the party. The court ordered PDP to pay ₦150,000 to each of the six defendants, plus ₦500,000 in administrative costs, bringing the total sum to ₦1.4 million.
The judge emphasised that counsel must not waste the court’s time and stressed the need for proper preparation. The court warned against unnecessary delays in delivering justice.
When the case resumed on March 19, 2025, the PDP attempted to present a video as evidence. Lawyers for the defendants objected, insisting the complexity now required a full trial with witness testimonies and cross-examinations.
The court sustained the objection and ruled that the matter should no longer proceed via Originating Summons procedure. Justice Ekwo directed the PDP to file its pleadings within 14 days and serve same on the Defendants.
The court explained that the introduction of video evidence and fraud claims changed the nature of the case and required formal pleadings.
As of today, the PDP has not filed any pleadings, and the 14 days granted to the PDP to file its Statement of Claim have since lapsed. The court is expected to take further action when the case resumes on 7 May 2025.
