Ali Modu Sheriff, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has failed in his bid to stop the Supreme Court from hearing an appeal filed by his rival, Ahmed Makarfi.

Makarfi is challenging a ruling by the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt which pronounced Sheriff the party’s chairman. Moreover, Sheriff had asked the apex court to discountenance Makarfi’s appeal based on his (Sheriff) court affirmation as the party’s chairman. He said it was illegal for Makarfi to institute the legal suit since it was not recognised by law.

Akin Olujimi, former attorney-general of the federation, appeared for Sheriff, while Wole Olanipekun, stood as counsel to the Makarfi group.

After listening to both counsels, Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria, leading the five-man panel, ruled in Makarfi’s favour.

“In this circumstance, we find merit in the appeal which is accordingly granted,” Onnoghen said

Based on the ruling, the Supreme Court is set to hear the appeal.