Ogun PDP Guber crises: Court to pass verdict on Jimi lawal’s suit challenging Adebutu’s candidacy

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday fixed December 1, for judgment in a legal tussle in respect of the Ogun State People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket.

Two chieftains of the PDP, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal and Oladipupo Adebutu, are both laying claim as the gubernatorial candidate of the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Justice Ekwo fixed the date after an expeditious hearing of counsel in the matter, in compliance with the November 21, 2022, Supreme Court order, considering the fact that the suit will lapse by December 2, being a pre-election matter.

Recall that the apex court in a lead judgment by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa had ordered a speedy hearing of the suit after holding that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Justice Ekwo said he would do everything humanly possible to deliver judgment in the suit on December 1, 2022.

Kanu Agabi SAN with Ola Olanipekun SAN represented the Plaintiff, Jimmy Lawal, while Chief Chris Uche SAN appeared for PDP and Oladipupo Adebutu. Meanwhile, Agabi prayed the court to grant the request of his client, and Uche urged the court to dismiss the case on three grounds.

Lawal, who contested the May 25, governorship primary election of the PDP had challenged the emergence of Adebutu, alleging that an unlawful and invalid delegates list was fraudulently used by PDP to conduct the election.

Among other reliefs, Lawal wanted the court to cancel the May 25, governorship primary and another one to be conducted with the authentic Adhoc delegates list.

However, Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, in his judgment delivered on July 29, declined to hear Lawal’s suit on merit.

Justice Taiwo based his decision on the fact that the primary election was a domestic affair of any political party and dismissed the suit.

Recall that the apex court in a lead judgment by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa had ordered a speedy hearing of the suit after holding that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction to hear the matter.