APC Chairmanship: Court Sets Date to Hear North Central’s Suit Against Ganduje

APC Chairmanship: Court Sets Date to Hear North Central’s Suit Against Ganduje

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 26, 2024, to hear a lawsuit filed by the North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum seeking to remove Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the party.

Justice Inyang Ekwo set the date to allow all parties involved in the suit to review the filed and served processes.

The suit, number FHC/ABJ/CS/599/24, was initiated by the North Central APC Forum, led by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga from Plateau State. The forum argues that Ganduje’s position as National Chairman is illegal, asserting that the role should be occupied by someone from the North Central region based on the party’s consensus arrangements from the 2022 national convention.

The APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are also named as defendants in the suit.

The forum is seeking an order directing INEC not to recognize any actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries, and nominations, since Ganduje assumed the chairmanship on August 3, 2023.

In the originating summons filed on May 6, the forum contends that the National Executive Committee of the APC violated the party’s constitution by appointing Ganduje, from Kano State in the North-West zone, to replace Senator Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State in the North-Central zone.

The forum argues that Ganduje’s appointment contravenes Article 31.5(1) f of the APC constitution and exceeds the powers of the NEC. They claim that, according to the true interpretation of Article 31.5(1) of the APC Constitution, 2013 (as amended), the party should have appointed a member from Nasarawa State or the North-Central region to the national chairmanship position.

During Thursday’s hearing, the claimant’s counsel, Benjamin Davou, informed the court that they had just received a counter affidavit from Ganduje’s counsel that same day and needed time to respond appropriately.

Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to June 26 for a definitive hearing of the originating summons, with the claimant’s counsel assuring readiness before the adjourned date.

After the court session, Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the North Central APC Forum, expressed their determination to pursue the matter to its ultimate conclusion. He emphasized their goal of reverting the National Chairmanship position to the North Central region, stating that party chieftains from the region support their efforts.