The Federal High Court in Abuja has set September 18 for its judgment on a suit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision follows the adoption of final briefs of argument from all parties involved in the case, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, was initiated by aggrieved members of the APC under the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga.
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Grassroots Parrot had reported that the plaintiffs challenged the legality of Ganduje’s appointment as chairman, arguing that his selection violates the APC’s constitution and the party’s geopolitical zoning arrangements.
The plaintiffs contend that Ganduje, hailing from Kano State in the North West, cannot legally replace Senator Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State in the North Central zone.
They argue that this contravenes Article 31.5(1) of the APC Constitution, which stipulates that any replacement should come from the same zone as the outgoing officer.
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Additionally, the plaintiffs seek a court order to restrain Ganduje from acting as chairman and to invalidate all actions taken by the APC under his leadership since August 3, 2023.
They further demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not recognize any party actions, including congresses and primaries, conducted during Ganduje’s tenure.
During the proceedings, counsel for the plaintiffs, Mr. Benjamin Davou, urged the court to grant their reliefs and remove Ganduje from office.
READ ALSO: Ganduje Must Resign- APC Insists
Conversely, the defendants, represented by Mr. Abdul Adamu for Ganduje, Isiaka Dikko, SAN, for the APC, and Ahmed Mohammed for INEC, called for the suit’s dismissal, arguing it lacks merit.
The case highlights internal tensions within the APC and could have significant implications for the party’s leadership and governance. The court’s ruling on September 18 is highly anticipated by all stakeholders.