On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit seeking to replace 27 Pro-Wike Lawmakers.
These lawmakers allegedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The suit, filed by the Action Peoples Party, was deemed “statute-barred” by Justice Lifu, as it was not filed within the 14-day time frame allowed by law.
The alleged defection occurred on December 12, 2023, but the APP filed the originating summons on July 12, 2024.
The APP requested the court to declare INEC empowered to declare the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant and conduct by-elections to replace them.
They argued that INEC’s failure to do so was unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional.
However, Justice Lifu ruled that the suit was not only late but also an abuse of the court process.
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Similar suits on the same matter had already been adjudicated by Justices James Omotosho and Donatus Okorowo.
Justice Lifu noted that his fellow judges had rejected the request to replace the lawmakers due to insufficient evidence.
He recalled Justice Omotosho’s judgment, which restrained INEC from declaring Pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats vacant.
In dismissing the suit, Justice Lifu stated, “This action fails on merit, is a gross abuse of court process, statute-barred, and is accordingly dismissed.”
