A FEDERAL High Court in Lagos has nullified congresses conducted by the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The faction had, in July, conducted state congresses from which an Executive Committee, led by one Dipo Odujinrin was constituted in the struggle for control of the party machinery.
In a ruling on Friday, Justice Okon Abang ordered the affected officials, who emerged from the voided ward, local government and state congresses conducted in the state to vacate offices, and yield the party's management and control to those officials who emerged from the earlier congresses conducted by the Dayo Soremi-led committee.
Justice Abang, who upheld the judgment of the court delivered by Justice Charles Archibong on May 2, 2012, pronounced the Adebayo Dayo-led Executive Committee as the authentic management body of the party in the state, by virtue of the May 2 judgment.
He ordered the PDP to accept the committee in that regard, accord it all necessary materials to operate unfettered and allow it serve out its four-year tenure as allowed by the party's constitution.
The judge also ordered the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant security agencies to enforce the court's order.
He also ordered the arrest and prosecution of anyone among the sacked party officials who refuse to vacate office.
Justice Abang, who criticised the PDP for lacking respect for due process.
He held that the party acted against known principals of the rule of law and constitutionality when, having appealed the May 2 judgment and sought a stay of execution pending appeal, took steps aimed at circumventing the judicial process by conducting the July 23 congresses, rather than await outcome of its appeal.
The ruling was on an objection raised by the PDP and nine of its principal officers, including its National Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, challenging the court's jurisdiction to hear a committal proceedings initiated against them by the Adebayo Dayo-led executive, accusing them of disobeying orders contained in the May 2 judgment.
The matter was adjourned till January 13, 2013.
