PDP Convention: Justice Okon Abang Of The Fed High Court, Abuja, Warns INEC Against Participation

A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to participate in the People's Democratic Party (PDP) convention slated for Port-Harcourt by monitoring it.

Justice Okon Abang, in a ruling Tuesday, reaffirmed he interim orders made on Monday, directing parties to suspend the scheduled national convention of the PDP.

He converted them to interlocutory injunction to last until the determination of the substantive suit filed by Ali Modu Shariff and other members of his leadership of the party.

Justice who faulted the decision of the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court to assume jurisdiction on the case relating to the PDP convention, directed that his order be accompanied with Form 48 (Notice of disobedience of court order) and served on the INEC Chairman and Secretary.

He said failure by INEC or any of the defendants to comply with his order ''will attract disciplinary action” provided “the plaintiffs ‎know what to do.''

The judge also directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to among others, ensure the enforcement of the court orders.

The judge held that the motion was not opposed as the respondents, including members of Ahmed Makarfi-led ‎caretaker committee of the party, failed to file a counter-affidavit opposing the motion.