By Kawaekwune Jeffrey
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reversed earlier rulings by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, which had barred three senior members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from taking part in the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.
The affected PDP figures included former National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; ousted Rivers State Governor, Mr. Celestine Omehia; and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Opara.
In separate judgments issued on Friday, a three-member panel of judges at the Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the appeals brought forth by Secondus, Omehia, and Opara, recognizing their validity.
The appellate court determined and ruled that the authority to decide on the participation in party meetings and functions resides within the party itself, not with the judiciary.
The court further asserted that the Federal High Court overstepped its jurisdiction by hearing these cases, as they pertain to internal party matters.
Consequently, the Court of Appeal invalidated the entire proceedings from the Federal High Court, deeming them null and void.
Furthermore, the restraining orders which Justice Ekwo issued on April 5 were consequently annulled and set aside.
With this judgment, Secondus, Omehia, and Opara are now cleared to participate in PDP NEC meetings, even though there is ongoing speculation about the roles they may play in these meetings.
