A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) vied to represent the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, in a case concerning the party’s congresses in Rivers State.
The legal dispute stems from a previous injunction by Justice Peter Lifu, which barred the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and various security agencies from interfering with the party’s ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled for July 27, 2024. The case, initiated by six supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was slated for a hearing on August 15.
Tensions rose in court as three SANs, K.C.O. Njemanze, Chief Ferdinand Orbih, and Kamaldeen Ajibade, all claimed to represent the same defendants, including Damagum and other top PDP officials. The situation became even more complicated when a fourth SAN, Sunday Ibrahim Ameh, also stood up to represent the same clients.
To prevent further confusion, Justice Lifu directed the lawyers to resolve the representation issue among themselves. The court granted a brief adjournment at Orbih’s request, rescheduling the case for August 30.
Justice Lifu emphasized the need for clarity and instructed that if the matter remained unresolved, the SANs should submit motions supported by affidavits to confirm their engagements by the concerned parties. He also extended the previous order, preventing any interference with the Rivers State congresses until the main suit is resolved.
The hearing delay also postponed the court’s consideration of additional parties seeking to join the lawsuit as defendants.