The Supreme Court on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 struck out the motions for stay of execution filed at the apex court on the matter of the candidacy of the PDP in the November 26 elections in Ondo State.
The motion was filed by Biyi Poroye, a self-acclaimed chairman of the People’s Democratic Party Ondo State chapter.
The court also ordered the the Court of Appeal to go ahead with the proceedings on all issues relating to the Ondo People’s Democratic Party PDP governorship candidate tussle.
Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, 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 the withdrawal of all the motions.
Poroye’s request to withdraw the motions was not opposed by the counsels of other parties in the matter.
Justice Onnoghen also 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 who filed the motion.
The Appeal Court will decide at once about fourteen appeals relating to the PDP and the Ondo governorship crisis.
Other members of the Supreme Court panel include Tanko Mohammed, Kudirat Kekere Ekun, Ejembi Eko, and Kumai Akaahas.
Wole Olanipekun, led the team for Eyitayo Jegede, the PDP candidate who emerged from the party’s primary election. Emmanuel Ukala represented the Ahmed Markarfi led PDP, and James Onoja represented the for the Ali Modu Sheriff led PDP. All the lawyers for the PDP parties and Eyitayo Jegede are senior advocates of Nigeria.
Nelson Anih stood in for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Present in court were Eyitayo Jegede, Ahmed Markarfi, Ali Modu Sheriff and other PDP chieftains.
