Court to hear Wike’s suit against PDP, Atiku September 14

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Wednesday fixed September 14 to hear a suit filed against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed fixed the date after granting a motion on notice for an extension of time filed by Priscila Eje, counsel for the PDP, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Mr Abubakar.

The motion was granted after it was not opposed by the lawyer of the plaintiffs, Wilfred Okoi.

Michael Ekamon and Rivers governor Nyesom Wike are first and second plaintiffs, respectively, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/782/2022, dated and filed on June 3.

Mr Wike had, however, recently denied knowledge of the suit which has the PDP as the first defendant. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Messrs Tambuwal and Abubakar are second to fourth defendants, respectively, in the suit.

Mr Okoi told the court that he had been served with a counter affidavit by PDP, Tambuwal and Atiku.

Mr Wike, in the suit, sought, among other prayers, the court’s pronouncement declaring him the PDP’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election.

Mr Wike came second behind Mr Abubakar in the party’s presidential primary election in May.

Mr Tambuwal, who was also a presidential aspirant, stepped down for Mr Abubakar at the last minute.

The party and others were represented in court, except INEC’s counsel, who was not in court.

(NAN)