New PDP Sues Old PDP, Asks For Disqualification of Rival National Executives

The breakaway faction of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ), led by Alhaji Abdullahi Kawu Baraje, yesterday asked the High Court of Lagos State to restrain Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Prince Uche Secondus, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Olisah Metuh and others from parading themselves as the members of the National Executive of the party. The plaintiffs, Alhaji Abdullahi Kawu Baraje, Dr. Sam Jaja and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola also asked the court for leave to serve the defendants outside the Ikeja Division, where the case was filed. In its ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs leave to serve the defendants in their various locations, but ruled that status quo be maintained on the matter of illegality of members of the National Executive Committee of rival faction, saying there was no urgency as to the fact of who should hold what office. Parties were asked to return on September 9, to argue the motion on notice. This means that both executive committees are to remain until the court resolves the matter.