The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention rescheduled to hold today has again met another roadblock as the Port Harcourt venue of the convention has been sealed off by the Nigerian Police. Justice Okoh Abang in the Federal High Court, Abuja today overruled the previous go-ahead that was given by the High Court in Port Harcourt for the convention to hold.

This new ruling follows a motion that was filed by Ali-Modu Sheriff, a factional chairman of the party. The PDP in a press statement released yesterday had made it known that the convention was going to hold without hindrance as they described the prior suspension by Justice Abang as “another act of judicial recklessness”.

Here are the winners and losers:

WINNERS

Ali Modu-Sheriff: The party Chairman and his faction are the biggest winners in this saga as they were the ones who filed for an interlocutory injunction to block the convention from holding. In a suit filed in July, the Sheriff-led faction sought that all plans to conduct fresh elections in the party be declared null and void. According to them, they had till 2018 to remain in office by virtue of the party’s constitution. The emergence of Sheriff as National Chairman of the PDP in February had caused an uproar that tore the party into several conflicting factions. Meanwhile, Sheriff had earlier declared that he is willing to peacefully hand over the party’s leadership, on the condition that an acceptable and democratic election is held in a convention put together by him and this one is clearly not.

Senator Buruji Kashamu: The PDP stalwart representing Ogun East in the senate had waved off the National Convention as a futile attempt in solving the issues battling with the party. He suggested that a meeting with party elders be held instead, as peace in the party was the ultimate goal. Sen Kashamu who never saw the need for a convention in the first instance, will be unperturbed by Justice Abang’s ruling.

Jimi Agbaje: Former Lagos state Gubernatorial candidate, Jimi Agbaje recently cross-carpeted from the APC to the PDP and has been a popular choice among the party’s governor for the position of National Chairman. Jimi Agbaje had earlier described himself as factionless in the party so this court ruling may be good for him as long as it does not stymie his ambition to be Chairman.

LOSERS

Ahmed Makarfi: Leading the team of losers is the Chairman of the Caretaker committee, Ahmed Makarfi whose faction of the PDP is desperate for a convention that will usher them into the leadership of the party. Justice Watila’s ruling in the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt was in his faction’s favour. Makarfi’s faction being the popular one had earlier released a statement acknowledging Justice Watila’s ruling that the convention would hold today without hindrance. From what we know, Makarfi is not giving up without a fight as the PDP Twitter handle posted minutes ago that Senator Ahmed Makarfi has declared the National Convention open in an unknown location.

Olabode George: The former deputy National Chairman of the PDP has clamoured on and on for the Makarfi-led committee to manage the party until the next convention is held. It appears he is not on the winning side of things again, following this recent court ruling. In an interview two months ago, Chief Bode George declared that Ali Modu-Sheriff is literally a baby in the party, has ceased to be the party’s chairman and should go home. He also asserted that Justice Abang’s ruling is inconsequential as he believes Abang has no power to counter another court of coordinate jurisdiction. Bode George himself has declared his intention to run for the chairmanship position of the PDP.