A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered parties in a suit against the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to maintain the status quo in relation to its planned election aimed at electing new leaders.

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order on Thursday while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF), Harrison Jalla, Victor Baribote and Austin Popo, who are plaintiffs in a pending suit before the court.

The NANF and others are, in their substantive suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1376/2021 querying among others, the composition of the NFF, its leadership, and seeking an amendment to the NFF statute of 2010.

In an affidavit supporting the motion ex-parte, filed through their lawyer, Celsus Ukpong, the plaintiffs claimed that despite the pendency of their suit, the defendants were plotting to alter the subject matter of the dispute by allegedly planning an election for a new set of leaders in the NFF.

Although the plaintiffs, in the motion ex-parte, prayed for an interim order restraining the defendants and their agents from conducting election into any executive office of the NFF pending the determination of a pending motion on notice for interlocutory injunction, Justice Ekwo ordered parties to maintain the status quo.

In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Ekwo said: “Parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante pending final order of this court.

“Case reverts to 31th October, 2022 for hearing.” (The Nation)