In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has set July 5 as the date for the highly anticipated hearing of a lawsuit aimed at removing Abdullahi Ganduje from his role as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This pivotal case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, has been brought forth by members of the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, who are vehemently contesting the legality of Ganduje’s appointment.
The crux of the plaintiffs’ argument revolves around Ganduje’s eligibility to hold the position of APC Chairman.
They assert that Ganduje’s origin from Kano State in the North West geopolitical zone disqualifies him from occupying the position designated for a member from Nasarawa State in the North Central zone, as stipulated by the APC’s constitution.
Central to their legal challenge is the contention that the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) exceeded its constitutional mandate when it appointed Ganduje to replace Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who hails from Nasarawa State.
According to Article 31.5(1)(f) of the APC constitution, they argue, any appointment to such a crucial party position must align strictly with the geographical zones outlined in the party’s organizational framework.
In response to the lawsuit, Ganduje has filed a robust counter-affidavit challenging the competency of the plaintiffs’ claims and the validity of the case itself.
This move has sparked a legal duel that promises to delve deep into constitutional interpretations and procedural adherence within Nigeria’s political party structures.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, presiding over the case, acceded to the request for an adjournment made by the plaintiffs’ counsel, Mr. Benjamin Davou. This adjournment aims to allow adequate time for the plaintiffs to thoroughly respond to Ganduje’s latest legal filings.
The decision underscores the gravity of the issues at stake and the meticulous legal groundwork required before the case proceeds further.
Beyond seeking Ganduje’s removal, the plaintiffs seek judicial declarations that nullify his appointment and direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard any actions taken by the APC under Ganduje’s leadership.
The lawsuit, by its very nature, not only questions Ganduje’s occupancy but also challenges the broader implications for the APC’s internal governance and adherence to constitutional provisions.
The defendants in this pivotal case include not only Ganduje himself but also the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Their involvement underscores the significance of this legal battle, which has far-reaching implications for the future direction and internal dynamics of one of Nigeria’s leading political parties.
As the date for the hearing approaches, all eyes remain fixed on the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the outcome of this case could reshape the landscape of APC leadership and influence the broader discourse on party governance within Nigeria’s political sphere.
