Four activists of Côte d’Ivoire’s Democratic Party (PDCI) have filed a lawsuit against party leader Tidjane Thiam, accusing him of violating internal rules during his election.

The complaint comes less than nine months before the country’s presidential election, raising tensions within the opposition party.

A hearing is scheduled for February 27 at the Abidjan Court of First Instance, where Thiam has been requested to appear.