From Suleiman Abubakar
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State is currently facing internal turmoil ahead of its ward congresses, as party unity has fractured. Concerns have arisen about the current state of the party, which once operated as a unified front.
Some senior members, including Senator Onawo, former Senator Suleiman Adokwe, and former Deputy Governor Mikel Abdul, have accused the outgoing PDP chairman, Mr. Francis Orogu, of attempting to manipulate the party structure to maintain influence even after his tenure ends.
These party leaders secured a court order to halt the congresses, claiming that Orogu is trying to sideline them.
These stakeholders moved to the High Court of Justice in Doma, presided over by Hon. Justice Abdullahi H. Shams Shama, seeking to restrain the Francis Orogu-led PDP executives from conducting the congresses.
Justice Abdullahi Shama ruled in favor of the applicants, issuing an interim injunction that restrains the PDP's Nasarawa State Chapter from conducting the congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels.
The injunction remains in effect until a motion on notice is heard.
The court has set October 3, 2024, for further hearing on the matter.
In response, supporters of Mr. Orogu have vowed to proceed with the congresses despite the legal challenge. Meanwhile, the PDP Elders Forum has refuted claims that the congresses have been suspended.
Mr. Bashayi Moses, the chairman of the forum in Lafia Local Government, addressed the media after an emergency meeting at the party's Lafia Local Government Secretariat, stating that no official court order has been served to them, and the process will continue as planned.
