Makarfi vs. Sheriff: Supreme court begins hearing on PDP leadership tussle

The Supreme Court on Thursday commenced hearing on the leadership tussle in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The intervention of the apex court followed an appeal filed by Ali Modu Sheriff, whom a federal high court had declared as the authentic chairman of the party, against a suit filed by the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction, challenging the decision of the lower court.

The PDP has been locked in a leadership battle since 2015. In February, a federal high court in Port Harcourt endorsed the leadership of Sheriff, but Makarfi and some members of the PDP have refused to recognise him as national chairman.

They then filed an appeal at the apex court, seeking an overturning of the unfavourable judgment.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan had intervened to find a political solution to the impasse, but his peace effort fell through.

The Supreme Court is now expected to determine the issue, and to draw the curtain on the leadership tussle that is entering its third year.