In a significant development, an Abia State High Court has intervened in the ongoing dispute within the Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The court, presided over by Justice L.T.C. Eruba, has halted the enforcement of the suspension of Adolphus Wabara, a former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP.
The suspension, which was announced by the Abia PDP leadership led by Abraham Amah, had been widely criticized as a violation of the party’s constitution. Wabara had been accused of engaging in anti-party activities, specifically for praising Governor Alex Otti’s performance and suggesting he deserved another term.
However, in a suit marked HUK/8/2025, Wabara dragged Amah before the court, seeking an order to restrain the defendant from enforcing the suspension. The court, in its order dated February 25, 2025, granted Wabara’s prayers, restraining Amah and the Abia PDP from enforcing the suspension until the motion on notice is determined.
The court’s decision is a significant victory for Wabara and a blow to the Abia PDP leadership. The suspension had been widely seen as an attempt to silence Wabara, who has been a vocal critic of the Abia PDP leadership. With the suspension halted, Wabara’s position as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP remains unaffected until further notice.
The development is also a testament to the independence of the judiciary and its ability to uphold the rule of law. The court’s decision sends a strong message that the judiciary will not hesitate to intervene when the rights of individuals are threatened.
The Abia PDP leadership has been embroiled in controversy in recent weeks, with allegations of impunity and disregard for the party’s constitution. The suspension of Wabara was seen as a culmination of these tendencies, and the court’s decision is a significant setback for the party’s leadership.
As the dispute within the Abia PDP continues to unfold, the court’s decision is a welcome development. It underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of individuals, even in the face of intense political pressure.