Speculated 2015 Bid: PDP Seeks Out of Court Settlement

The Zuba Ward of the FCT Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has applied for an out of court settlement in the suit instituted by Mr. Cyriakus Njoku, a stalwart of the party, against the speculated bid by President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2015 Presidential election.

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Mr. Ugochukwu Osuagwu who represented the plaintiff told the court that his client had informed him of the move by his Ward executives to settle the matter out of court.

He also affirmed the plaintiff’s favourable disposition to settling the matter out of court, but stated that he will revert to the court if the moves fail.

Speaking to P.M.NEWS after the proceedings, Mr. Osuagwu averred that as a counsel, he has an obligation to protect his client’s interest and noted that any term of settlement that does not include a firm and documented deposition by the President not to contest the 2015 Presidential election will not be acceptable to his client.

“Settlement out of court is legal, as a counsel, I cannot restrain my client from accepting an offer for an out of court settlement. If not that the Zuba Ward chapter of the party where my client belongs made the move, we would have asked the court for judgment today. You observed how eager the President’s lawyer was in court about the prospect of settling this matter out of court. If the President accepts not to go for 2015 election, then we will cork our gun powder, otherwise, we will react further.”

The presiding judge, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, subsequently adjourned the matter till 30 May for reports of settlement.

Jonathan had emphasized that he has not indicated or announced anywhere that he would contest the presidential elections in 2015.

Mr Cyriacus Njoku had attempted to stop the President from contesting the 2011 Presidential election on the ground that Jonathan’s candidacy violated the zoning principle of the party.

Now he wants the court to stop President Jonathan from contesting the 2015 presidential election on the grounds that he is already in his second term in office.

He also said the President cannot swear to an Oath of Office thrice in the light of Section 137(1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution.

—Nnamdi Felix / Abuja