By Our Reporter
Defendants in the leadership dispute suit filed by Abejide have asked the Federal High Court to dismiss the case “with substantial cost,” arguing that the action lacks merit and has been overtaken by events.
In their response filed before the court, the defendants said Abejide’s challenge rests on a faulty premise. Contrary to his claim that the Mark-led leadership was elected on July 2, 2025, they stated the election actually took place on July 29, 2025, at the party’s National Executive Committee meeting.
Beyond the disputed date, the defendants argued that Abejide “had not demonstrated any reasonable cause” for instituting the suit. They described the matter as “academic,” meaning there is no live controversy for the court to determine.
Citing Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act, 2026, the defendants urged the court not only to strike out the suit but to do so with “substantial cost” against the plaintiff — a provision courts invoke when actions are deemed frivolous or vexatious.
The legal team maintained that the court’s time should not be spent on a case that has no bearing on the current legal or political reality of the party’s leadership.
