The Peoples Democratic Party rejects the Federal High Court judgment removing Section 84(10) of the Electoral Act.
The PDP also said it was probing the option of reporting the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Umuahia, to the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Judicial Council respectively.
Section 84(10) of the Act makes it compulsory for all political appointees planning to run for office to resign at least 30 days before any primaries they plan to take part in. The section also states that political appointees would not be allowed to vote in any primaries.
Abubakar Malami, who is believed to want to contest the Kebbi State governorship seat, had rejected the arrangement, insisting he won’t resign. Nduka Edede, Member of Action Alliance,subsequently filed a suit before the court challenging the section. Malami, who was the only defendant in the suit, agreed with the plaintiff therefore securing a favourable judgment.
Malami afterwards issued a statement lauding the court for the judgment. Also, he promised to immediately gazette the judgement.
In response, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in an interview says that Malami had abused his office by placing his selfish interest ahead of that of the public.
Mr Ologunagba had also wondered how the case, which was challenged barely a week ago, was quickly heard and judgment was delivered. He said the intention of the plaintiff was suspicious as he neither joined the National Assembly nor the Independent National Electoral Commission.
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