The Supreme Court of Nigeria has fixed April 22 for the hearing of appeals arising from the lingering leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party.
The appeals were filed by a faction of the party led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, challenging the judgments of the Court of Appeal delivered on March 9.
A five-member panel of the apex court, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba, fixed the date on Tuesday after granting an application for accelerated hearing.
The court also abridged the time for the filing of briefs, directing respondents to submit their responses within five days, while the appellants were given two days to file replies.
The appeals stem from earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal, which upheld rulings of the Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the PDP from conducting its planned national convention pending compliance with statutory provisions, including the Electoral Act and internal party regulations.
The Federal High Court judgments were delivered by Justice James Omotosho and Justice Peter Lifu, following suits instituted by aggrieved party members, including former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.
Several political stakeholders were present during Tuesday’s proceedings, including Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, alongside Turaki and other party chieftains.
The development is seen as a critical step in resolving the internal disputes within the opposition party ahead of key political activities.
