The Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the conduct of local government elections in Kwara State.
The case, which also lists the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other electoral bodies as defendants, is centred on alleged irregularities in preparations for the polls.
Justice Peter Lifu announced on Wednesday that the date for judgment would be communicated to all parties involved in the matter.
The dispute arises from a broader legal challenge initiated by the PDP against the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) and related authorities over the planned local government elections.
Court records show that the matter has a long procedural history, including interim orders and rulings issued by the court in 2024.
On September 17, 2024, Justice Lifu vacated an earlier interim order that had restrained the Kwara State Government from proceeding with the local government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024.
The court held that the restraining order had expired under the law, having exceeded the 14-day validity period allowed for such ex-parte orders.
The judge agreed with submissions made by counsel to KWSIEC, Johnson Usman (SAN), and the Kwara State Attorney-General, Senior Sulyman (SAN).
The court noted that the ex-parte order had been in place since July 29, 2024 before being challenged.
In a separate ruling, Justice Lifu dismissed a contempt application filed by the PDP against the Chairman of KWSIEC, Baba Okanla.
The PDP had sought to have him committed to prison over alleged violation of a court order.
However, the court held that the contempt charge was not properly served on the alleged contemnor.
Justice Lifu ruled that contempt proceedings are quasi-criminal in nature and must be personally served to the individual involved.
He added that failure to serve Baba Okanla directly amounted to a violation of fair hearing rights as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
The court therefore dismissed the application filed by PDP counsel, Ademola Abimbola.
The main suit, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1061/2024, lists INEC, KWSIEC, the Kwara State Attorney-General, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) as defendants.
The PDP, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued that the planned local government elections violated several provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
The party also alleged breaches of the Kwara State Local Government Electoral (Amendment) Law 2024.
According to the PDP, the state electoral commission failed to follow due process and ignored legal requirements governing the conduct of local government polls.
It further claimed that KWSIEC unlawfully requested the national voters’ register from INEC for use in the elections.
The party argued that such actions were inconsistent with constitutional provisions and electoral laws in Nigeria.
All parties are now awaiting the Court of Appeal’s final decision, which is expected to determine the legality of the disputed electoral process in Kwara State.
The case continues to draw attention due to its implications for local government elections and electoral governance in Nigeria.
