APC seeks to join suit against defected lawmakers

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday sought to be joined as a party in the suit by the People Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to declare vacant seats of defecting senators and House of Representatives members.

APC’s motion was filed by their counsel James Ocholi (SAN) before a Federal High Court in Abuja. However, counsels to the PDP Amaechi Nwaiwu (SAN) and Paul Ewekoro (SAN) both indicated intention to object to the application and sought for date to file their reply.

The PDP, in the suit filed in March, is seeking for an order of mandamus compelling Senate President David Mark and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal to declare the seats of the lawmakers vacant as stipulated in section 68(1) and (g) of the 1999 Constitution.

The lawmakers whose seats are listed include Senators Bukola Saraki, Abdullahi Adamu, Ali Ndume, Umar Dahiru, Muhammadu Lafiagi, Magnus Abe, and Wilson Ake.

Other senators are Danjuma Goje, Bindowo Umar Jibrilla, Aisha Alhassan, and Ibrahim Gobir.

However, counsel to the lawmakers Mahmud Magaji (SAN) also filed further affidavit on a motion for referral before the Appeal Court, Abuja Division. Justice Ahmed Mohammed has adjourned the suit to May 5 for reply and ruling.