In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) right to suspend or expel members, including former Governor oI Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, as long as such actions are legally conducted.

The judgment was rendered by Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case that Wike initiated prior to the 2023 elections.

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Wike sought a court injunction prohibiting the PDP from disciplining him without due process.

Johnson Usman, a lawyer for the PDP, defended the party's position in response to Wike's claims, contending that Wike had not provided sufficient evidence to support his allegations.

Usman argued that party members voluntarily pledge to abide by the PDP's rules and that legal action should be pursued only as a last resort.

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Justice Omotosho ruled that the PDP has the right to discipline its members, but that such actions must be consistent with the party's and country's constitutions.

Even though they are not absolute, he reiterated that the fundamental human rights enshrined in Nigeria's constitution are sacred.

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Omotosho concluded by asserting that the PDP must uphold constitutional democracy and that any member facing disciplinary action is entitled to a reasonable hearing.

He warned that terminating Wike without giving him a chance to defend himself would violate the party's constitution.