The Court of Appeal in Abuja has held that the case before the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo concerning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not merely an internal affair of the party.

The appellate court ruled that the Federal High Court was right to assume jurisdiction in the matter brought by Austine Nwachukwu, George Turnah and Abraham Amah.

According to the court, where a political party fails or refuses to conduct its congresses or conventions in accordance with its own constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act, such a dispute goes beyond an internal party matter and becomes subject to judicial scrutiny.

The court further stated that any congress or convention conducted in violation of the party’s constitution and relevant laws cannot be upheld.

Consequently, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal filed by the faction of the PDP led by Taminu Turaki and backed by Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde thereby upholding the earlier decision of the Federal High Court stopping the party’s National Convention.

The court also awarded a cost of N2 million against the appellants, Turaki and others.