The Federal High Court in Abuja, Thursday, adjourned till September 22, for hearing in the suit filed by the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Anyanwu had originally sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagun, as 1st and 2nd defendants, before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Justice Ekwo, had in the last adjourned date fixed the matter for judgment before his suspension by the National Judicial Council (NJC)
However, at the mention of the matter, Thursday, before a new Judge, Mohammed Umar, the plaintiff (Anyanwu)brought an application for amendment of his original process.
Therefore, at the instance of all parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter for definite hearing including all motions against the suit.
The embattled Anyanwu, had in an ex-parte application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2025 dated and filed on February 13, Anyanwu had prayed the court for an order of interim injunction, restraining INEC from accepting, acting on or giving effect to any correspondence from the PDP not signed by him pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
The plaintiff, through his counsel, Njemanze K. C. SAN, also sought an order of interim injunction restraining Mr Damagun from dispatching to INEC any correspondence purportedly emanating from PDP signed by the acting chair and not counter signed by him.
After taking arguments from lawyers representing parties in the suit, Justice Ekwo later fixed judgment for March 25, for judgment.
However, on the scheduled date for judgment, Anyanwu had brought an application seeking to amend their originating process to correct the issue for determination.
Following, the request the court then fixed May 19, for hearing of the motion which was also objected by parties in the suit.
Recall that following applications for joinder, the court had included the PDP and Mr Udeh-Okoye in the suit as 3rd and 4th defendants.
It also joined the National Vice Chairman, PDP South-east, Ali Odela and Deputy National Secretary of the party, Setonji Koshoedo as 5th and 6th defendants respectively.
However, the case was later transferred to Justice Umar, for determination.
At Thursday’s proceedings, Anyanwu, who was represented by U. C. Njemanze-Aku, informed the court that the matter was originally slated for mention, adding that the plaintiff had received a letter from the 5th defendant requesting that the case be adjourned till September.
Njemanze-Aku, told the court that while they are not against the request for adjournment, it would appreciate a shorter date from the court.
Other parties represented in court also aligned themselves with the position of the plaintiff.
However, Chief Paul Erokoro, SAN, informed the court that the issue currently before the court had been resolved by the apex court, adding that the apex court held that the subject matter before the court is the exclusive of political parties.
He told the court that he would be bringing an application wherein he intends to attach the judgment of the Supreme Court.
Adjourning, the court held that the motion and all objections would be heard on September 22.