PDP denies manipulating Lagos guber primary in favor of Agbaje, urges court to dismiss Obanikoro’s suit

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has denied allegation by former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro that the party's December 8 governorship primary in Lagos State was manipulated in favour of the winner, Jimi Agbaje.

The PDP also accused Obanikoro of working to frustrate its plan to field a credible and lawful candidate for the next governorship election in Lagos, adding that he (Obanikoro) stormed the election venue with "30 heavily armed Mobile policemen."

According to the PDP, contrary to Obanikoro's claim, it complied with its Electoral Guidelines in the conduct of the Lagos primary.

The party also denied Obanikoro's allegation of over voting during the primary election.



PDP's position is contained in three separate processes it filed in reaction to the suit filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja by Obanikoro, with which he sought to among other prayers, to annul the result of the primaries.

The processes include a notice of preliminary objection, affidavit to show cause and counter affidavit, and were filed for the party by Paul Ananaba (SAN).

The PDP urged the court to dismiss Obanikoro's suit, arguing that even if there was non-compliance with Electoral Guidelines, "it was not substantial to warrant the prayers sought by the plaintiff."

In its affidavit to show why Obanikoro's prayers should not be granted, the party denied that there was over voting, arguing that its electoral committee acted within the guideline and conducted a free exercise.