The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan today adjourned indefinitely the case involving the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) over its controversial Ibadan elective convention.
The appellate court also urged parties in the suit to explore the option of resolving the dispute amicably outside the courtroom in the interest of the party and the country’s democratic process, reports The Guardian.
The justices held that should the parties fail to reach an agreement through dialogue, they are at liberty to return to the court for further proceedings.
During the hearing, the panel emphasised the need for legal representatives to guide their respective clients appropriately in order to facilitate a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.
The court further urged counsel involved in the matter to be mindful of time, particularly in view of the recently released electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which outlines activities leading to future elections.
According to the justices, prolonged litigation could have implications for the internal stability of the party and its preparedness for forthcoming electoral activities.
The case is part of the lingering legal tussles arising from the elective convention of the PDP held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The convention had produced a new leadership for the party, including the emergence of Kabiru Turaki (SAN) as National Chairman.
However, the process has been the subject of legal contestations by aggrieved members of the party who challenged the validity of the convention and the leadership that emerged from it.
The development followed an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, which reportedly invalidated the PDP elective convention held in Ibadan.
The Abuja division of the appellate court had nullified the exercise that produced Turaki as the party’s National Chairman, thereby throwing the party into fresh uncertainty over its leadership structure.
The decision has since sparked legal debates and internal consultations within the party as stakeholders explore possible solutions to the dispute.
At today’s proceedings in Ibadan, the justices stressed the importance of dialogue and reconciliation among party stakeholders, noting that political disagreements are better resolved through consensus rather than prolonged litigation.
They also reminded counsel of their professional responsibility to promote peace and stability, particularly in matters that could have wider political implications.
The court consequently adjourned the case indefinitely while granting the parties the opportunity to pursue an amicable settlement.
