Court Orders INEC to Recognise Markarfi-led PDP Caretaker Committee

·        Bars Sheriff from parading himself as Acting Chairman

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Senator Ahmed Markarfi-led National Caretaker Committee appointed by the 2016 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt on May 21.

In an order issued by Justice A.M. Liman in Suit NO: FHC/PH/CS/524/2016, the court ruled: “Leave is hereby granted to the applicant herein to issue as ‘concurrent’ the  originating summons and other processes in this suit for service on the defendants/respondents herein outside the jurisdiction of this court at Abuja.

The court also restrained Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Professor Adewole Oladipo and other sacked members of the National Working Committee and National Executive Committee from parading themselves as officials of the PDP.

The suit filed by the PDP has as defendants former Acting National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff; Professor Adewole Oladipo (sued as themselves and as representing National Officers), INEC, Inspector General of Police and the State Security Service.

The court further ruled: “Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Professor Adewole Oladipo, the members of the National Executive Committee and Members of the National Working Committee of the PDP who were removed from office by the National Convention of the PDP held on Saturday, the 21st Day of May 2016 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State be and are hereby restrained from parading/holding out or continuing to hold themselves out either individually or collectively as the Chairman, Secretary or National Officer or member of the National Executive Committee or National Working Committee of the PDP.

“Nor do anything howsoever to negate or frustrate the decisions reached at the said convention, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice”.

FURTHER DETAILS LATER