The Supreme Court has ordered the Appeal Court to continue the hearing of the appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factional governorship candidate in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede.
Acting Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who presided over the hearing also struck out ten motions for stay of execution filed against the lower court after Biyi Poroye lawyer announced their withdraw of all the motions which was not opposed by other counsels.
Justice Onnoghen directed the Appeal Court Justices to immediately proceed with the case in view of its urgency.
The Supreme Court also awarded a cost of N250,000 against Biyi Poroye and others that filed the motion.
Other members of the Supreme Court panel include Tanko Mohammed, Kudirat Kekere Ekun, Ejembi Eko and Kumai Akaahas.
The Court will decide at once about fourteen appeals relating to the PDP and the Ondo governorship crisis.
Wole Olanipekun (SAN) leads the team for Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) for the Ahmed Markarfi-led PDP, James Onoja (SAN) for the Ali Modu Sheriff-led PDP, and Nelson Anih for INEC.
Present in court were Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), National Caretaker Chairman of the PDP, Ahmed Markarfi, factional Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff and party chieftains across the country.
Recall that Jegede, who is of the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction, had filed an appeal before the appellate court, seeking to upturn a Federal High Court ruling which replaced him with businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim as the party’s candidate in the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja division, on Friday last week adjourned indefinitely the appeal by Jegede.
