Court Sanctions PDP Over Delays in Kebbi Lawmakers’ Defection Suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed a total fine of N1.4 million on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for causing repeated delays in the hearing of a suit challenging the defection of three members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The suit, filed in November 2024 and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1389/2024, was brought before Justice Inyang Ekwo by the PDP. It challenges the defection of Hon. Umar Na’amore, Hon. Hashimu Usman Hilinboro, and Hon. Yusuf Abubakar Tilli.

Also listed as defendants are the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, the House of Assembly itself, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Despite alleging fraud and seeking declaratory reliefs, the PDP initiated the case using an Originating Summons—a procedure meant for clear-cut, uncontested matters. The court had repeatedly questioned the appropriateness of this approach, given the complexity of the issues raised.

The PDP further contributed to delays by requesting multiple adjournments in the early stages of the case, citing lack of readiness.

On March 3, 2025, Justice Ekwo sanctioned the PDP, ordering the party to pay N150,000 to each of the six defendants, along with N500,000 in administrative costs.

“The court’s time must not be wasted,” Justice Ekwo stated, emphasizing the duty of legal counsel to be fully prepared and avoid obstructing the administration of justice.

During the March 19, 2025, hearing, the PDP sought to introduce video evidence. Defence counsel strongly objected, arguing that the case had become too complex for determination via Originating Summons and now required oral testimony and cross-examination.

Justice Ekwo upheld the objection and directed that the matter proceed as a full trial. He ordered the PDP to file and serve its pleadings within 14 days, noting that the introduction of new evidence and fraud allegations had altered the nature of the suit.

However, as of the time of this report, the PDP has failed to file its Statement of Claim, despite the expiration of the 14-day deadline. The court is expected to take further action when proceedings resume on May 7, 2025.