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Several leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have dragged the Federal Government and te Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to court over a presidential order asking them to refund all funds used for the 2015 presidential election.
The claimants, numbering up to 906, including ex-Minister of State for FCT, Chief Jumoke Akinjide; immediate past senator representing Oyo Central District, Senator Ayoade Adeseun; members of the state working committee and PDP leaders and members across the local governments and wards levels, in the case with suit number FHC/IB/CS/15/17 dated 13 February, 2017, asked the court to declare the order by President Muhammadu Buhari as “undemocratic, unconstitutional and null and void”.
The claimants, among other prayers, also sought the declaration of the court that the “continuous harassment, intimidation, prosecution and threat of prosecution of PDP members across the country and in particular in Oyo State over the campaign funds was a breach of their fundamental human rights,” citing how a similar treatment was not meted to All Progressives Congress (APC) members.
In her ruling on the matter, Justice J.O Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, issued an order that the court bailiff serve the notice of the suit on the Attorney-General of the Federation, EFCC and two others, just as she adjourned the case till next Tuesday.
The PDP leaders are seeking the court’s declaration that the receipt of the campaign funds, which they maintained that the EFCC conceded was a donation by private oil companies and individuals to Jonathan’s re-election course, did not constitute a criminal offence for which they could be arrested or prosecuted.
The funds allegedly received amounts to about N650 million.