In a recent legal development concerning the All Progressives Congress (APC), a suit has been filed challenging the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the party. Here are the key points from the ongoing legal proceedings:
1. **Plaintiff and Defendants**:
– The plaintiff in the case is the North Central APC Forum, represented by Saleh Zazzaga. They have filed suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
– The defendants named in the suit include Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC itself, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
2. **Basis of the Suit**:
– The main contention of the plaintiff is that Ganduje’s appointment as APC Chairman is improper because he is not from the North Central geopolitical zone as required.
– According to the plaintiff, the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) violated the party’s constitution by appointing Ganduje, who is from Kano State in the North West, to replace Sen. Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State in the North Central.
3. **Legal Arguments**:
– The plaintiff argues that the appointment of Ganduje does not comply with Article 31.5(1) f of the APC constitution and exceeds the NEC’s powers.
– They assert that under Article 20(1) of the APC constitution, the Chairman must be appointed through democratically conducted elections, which did not occur in Ganduje’s case.
– Additionally, the plaintiff contends that only the APC’s National Convention has the authority to elect or remove national officers, including the National Chairman, as per Article 13 of the constitution.
4. **Court Proceedings**:
– During a recent court session, Ganduje’s lawyer filed a preliminary objection and a counter affidavit. The plaintiff’s lawyer requested time to respond to these documents.
– Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted the request and adjourned the hearing until June 26. He stated that both the preliminary objection and the substantive suit would be heard together on that date.
5. **Reliefs Sought**:
– The plaintiff seeks several reliefs from the court, including a declaration that Ganduje cannot occupy the office of APC Chairman except through a democratic election process.
– They also seek an order restraining Ganduje from parading himself as the APC Chairman and directing INEC not to recognize any actions taken by the APC since Ganduje’s assumption of office.
This lawsuit highlights internal disputes within the APC regarding leadership positions and adherence to constitutional provisions governing the party. The outcome of the court’s decision could potentially impact the leadership structure of the APC and its operations going forward.