he National leadership of the People’s Democratic Party have debriefed EMMANUEL UKALA, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from representing the party in appeal against the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly candidates for 2023 general elections.
When the appeal by PDP was mentioned before an appeal court sitting in Port Harcourt, DIKE UDENNA who stood in for UKALA informed the court that they have been debriefed from the matter following a letter from national legal Adviser of PDP.
According to the letter which was read out before the court, the national leadership of PDP through the national legal Adviser said they never instructed any lawyer to filed a suit or represent them in any matter in Rivers State.
The three man panel of the appeal led by Justice JOSEPH IKYEGH however adjourned till 3rd of February, 2023 for hearing after PDP new counsel, JOHNSON USMAN, SAN informed the court his intention to take over the matter from EMMANUEL UKALA.
Speaking to newsmen outside the courtroom, the new counsel representing PDP, JOHNSON USMAN said he has been instructed by the national legal Adviser of PDP to take over the appeals which is the reason for applying for short adjourned date.
On his part, MUSTAPHER ABRAHAM who is counsel to APC said they were in court prepared but we’re surprised hearing from PDP counsel that they have been debriefed and the announcement of new counsel which they did not object.
In a related development; the National leadership of the People’s Democratic Party has asked EMMANUEL UKALA, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who was hired by PDP in Rivers State not to represent the party in the appeal filed against the Accord and Independent National Electoral Commission.
The position of PDP was mentioned known in a letter read out before an appeal court sitting in Port Harcourt debriefing EMMANUEL UKALA and instructing JOHNSON USMAN SAN to take the appeals.
Our correspondent reports that the parties did not opposed the decision of the PDP national and the three man appeal panel led by Justice JOSEPH IKYEGH granted the request and adjourned till 3rd of February, 2023 following a request by the new PDP counsel.
Speaking to newsmen, counsel to Accord, MUHAMMAD ABDULLAHI explained what transpired in court and expressed their readiness to meet the PDP in court.