The Makurdi High Court has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from suspending or expelling Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, from the party.
The court, presided over by Augustine Itoyonyiman, gave its verdict on Thursday, according to a statement by the media assistant to the governor, Nathaniel Ikyur.
Mr. Ortom is a member of a group of five opposition PDP governors known as the G-5 who are not happy with the national leadership of the party.
The G-5 governors are led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, while other members of the group include Mr. Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpaeazu (Abia).
The aggrieved governor demanded the resignation of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to balance the leadership structure of the party as he hails from northern Nigeria as Atiku.
But Mr. Ayu said that he will not relinquish his position as PDP chief.
The PDP national chairman hails from Benue North-west Senatorial District where he is the national chairman.
The suit
Mr. Ortom sued the PDP, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), National Officers (elected or appointed) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the court to stop the party from expelling him.
The case marked: MHC/46/2023, and filed on February 15, is amid rumors that the PDP may oust Mr. Ortom who is the PDP candidate for the Benue North-west Senatorial election scheduled for February 25.
In the ex-parte order, Mr. Itoyonyiman restrained the PDP and its organs “from expelling, suspending or imposing any other penalty on” Mr. Ortom “pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”
The judge also restrained INEC and its officials “from receiving and/or acting upon any communication made by the PDP seeking to disqualify Mr. Ortom from contesting the Benue North West Senatorial District in the 2023 general election…”
The suit was adjourned till February 24 for hearing.
In addition, Mr. Wike recently secured an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja stopping the PDP from suspending or expelling him.
Some Ekiti PDP members who were sympathetic to the G-5 government were suspended and later expelled a few days ago. Among them is Oluwajomiloju Fayose, the son of the former governor of the state, Ayo Fayose.
Support the integrity and credibility of PREMIUM TIMES journalism
Good journalism costs a lot of money. But only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, responsible democracy, and transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider making a modest contribution to this noble effort.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available to all.
contribute
AD TEXT: Call Willie – +2348098788999
