The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has once again extended the interim order that allows the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go ahead with its planned National Convention scheduled for Saturday in Ibadan.
Justice Ladiran Akintola, in a ruling on Wednesday, said the order earlier granted on an ex-parte motion would remain valid until Friday when the case will come up again for further hearing.
The court order means no individual or group is permitted to stop or interfere with the convention until the court reaches a final decision.
During the proceedings, the judge listened to arguments from both counsels before adjourning the matter.
He also ruled on an application for joinder brought by another party, saying it could not be considered because the affidavit was not signed by the deponent.
However, counsel to the defendant, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), argued that the missing signature did not make the document invalid since the identity of the deponent was already known.
The judge maintained that the document must be properly signed and refiled before it can be accepted.
After the court session, counsel to the claimant, Mr. Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), told reporters that the extension of the injunction means the PDP can continue its preparations for the National Convention.
According to him, “We were about to take the application for joinder when the Court discovered that the affidavit was not signed. However, the other party has indicated interest to file another one. That is what transpired in court today.”
He further confirmed that the order restraining interference with the PDP convention still stands until the court gives its next ruling.
It could be recalled that the same court had earlier ruled in favour of the PDP after the claimant filed a motion seeking to prevent certain individuals, including Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), from halting the convention.
The court also instructed the PDP leadership to follow its approved timetable and guidelines for the event.