In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the party’s leadership crisis, Magaji Mato, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has warned candidates against buying nomination forms from PDP factions.
Mato made an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday.
He claims that because the Supreme Court’s ruling does not identify any particular PDP leadership faction, it is challenging for any one group to assert exclusive ownership or control over the party.
The senior attorney warned that candidates purchasing forms under any faction were doing so at their own peril and that rival factions or other political parties would contest such candidates’ validity in court.
According to him, the best course of action following the verdict by the highest court would have been for the PDP Board of Trustees to bring together those parties that were wronged and attempt to make amends before moving forward with party operations.
However, Mato questioned whether the groups could come to an agreement before the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline for submitting candidates.
“Any faction operating under the PDP platform without further judicial backing may eventually have to defend its legitimacy in court,” he continued.
“I can assure you that, based on the Supreme Court’s ruling, there is no specific leadership of the party as of the Supreme Court’s ruling,” Mato stated.
“As far as the Supreme Court’s ruling is concerned, it cannot save any of the opposition if any section or faction is proving to be the owner of PDP without any other court ruling that they are relying on or depending on.”
Therefore, if individuals purchase forms under a specific faction, it is their money, but it will undoubtedly be fought in court by the other faction or possibly some other political parties that ran in the main election.They will undoubtedly contest their own or their candidate’s legitimacy.
They do that for a reason (selling form). They are likely aware of their goals, but if the Supreme Court’s ruling is to be followed, both parties should have united. The Board of Trustees should convene, call all the opposing groups together, and then discuss a course of action.
“Probably if they can work things out, but given the INEC deadline, I don’t see how they could do that and then field candidates who will either legally or illegally run for office.”
“I believe they may have themselves to contend in the courts if there is any faction under the name on the PDP platform following the Supreme Court’s ruling with nothing more.”
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