Biodun Olujimi, a senator represents Ekiti South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has spoken about the suit challenging the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congress in Ekiti by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The Court of Appeal sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday had dismissed the suit filed by the caucus loyal to Senator Biodun Olujimi over the inauguration of the Ward Executive Committee members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State.
Olujimi’s loyalists and those loyal to a former governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose, had been locked in a legal battle over the conduct and outcome of the March 2020, PDP congress held in the state.
Delivering her judgement in the suit no: CA/EK/57/2020 on Wednesday evening, Justice T.N Orji-Abadua, dismissed the appeal by a group loyal to Senator Olujimi against an earlier judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Ekiti.
The Federal High Court had, in its verdict in July 17, 2020 dismissed the suit instituted against Haruna Manu-led congress panel and upheld the preliminary objection raised concerning the suitability of the case.
The court also awarded N200,000 cost against the plaintiff and their Counsel to be paid to the PDP, the 4th and 5th defendants on or before of September 1, 2020.
The Olujimi’s faction, dissatisfied with the ruling, approached the Appellate Court, urging it to set aside the judgement, which favours former governor Ayodele Fayose camp.
In its judgement, the Appeal Court upheld the decision of the trial court and held that the case was not justiciable on the ground that it was a matter that emanated from intra-party affairs.
Reacting to the judgement, Senator Olujimi through her media aide, Chief Sanya Atofarati said “we would only take it as judgement of man which does not represent that of Almighty God.
She said “PDP is one big family, and of course will continue to remain one.
“However, we appeal to our supporters to remain calm and law abiding.
“ Our lawyers are reviewing the judgement and at appropriate time we will take a position on the matter”
Meanwhile, former governor Ayodele Fayose reacting to the verdict, said that there was no victor, no vanquished, noting that the two factions belong to the same political family.
Fayose through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, called on party’s members to see the ruling as only victory for everyone and a watershed in the quest for reconciliation in the party.
He said: “To all PDP members, please see this a victory for all. No victor, no vanquished. We are in deep talks to reconcile all. We should refrain from provocative languages.”
