Court rejects PDP’s bid to remove Jallo over alleged defection to APC

The Federal High Court successful Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to state vacant the spot of Hussaini Jallo, representing Igabi Federal Constituency of Kaduna State successful the House of Representatives, implicit his alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgement connected Tuesday, held that the PDP failed to contiguous credible grounds to found that Jallo had defected to the ruling party.

The tribunal acknowledged the PDP’s ineligible close to institute the case, but ruled that the enactment had not proved its assertion against the lawmaker.

Justice Omotosho explained that nether the 1999 Constitution, arsenic amended, an elected legislator who defects from the governmental enactment that sponsored the predetermination risks losing the seat, but wherever the defection results from a part wrong the party.

However, helium said the PDP failed to supply capable grounds to amusement that Jallo had joined the APC.

“The paper work relied upon by the plaintiff is documentary hearsay and has nary probative worth successful establishing the alleged defection,” Justice Omotosho held.

The tribunal besides rejected uncertified copies of documents relating to proceedings successful the House of Representatives connected March 18, 2025, erstwhile the PDP alleged that Jallo’s defection was announced.

According to the judge, the documents did not conscionable the requirements of the Evidence Act, 2011, which requires certified existent copies f...