A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his judgment, ruled that the plaintiff, the North Central APC Forum led by Saleh Zazzaga, lacked the legal standing to file the suit.
The judge noted that there was no credible evidence showing the group was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), stating that its name was not recognized by law.
Justice Ekwo emphasized that the group is not a juristic person and that the issue brought before the court pertained to the internal affairs of the APC. He further clarified that only a national convention could appoint or remove the party’s national chairman.
The group’s lawyer, Ayuba Abdul, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and confirmed plans to appeal. “I am not surprised the way the judgment has gone. However, we will appeal the decision,” said Mr. Zazzaga.
The plaintiff had originally filed the suit to challenge the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment, arguing that he was not from the North Central geo-political zone. They contended that Ganduje’s appointment violated the APC’s constitution, specifically Article 31.5(1) f, as he replaced Senator Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State in the North Central zone, despite being from Kano State in the North West.
The group asked the court to restrain Ganduje from continuing to act as APC chairman and sought an order barring INEC from recognizing any actions taken by the APC since Ganduje assumed the role on August 3, 2023, including congresses and nominations.
Justice Ekwo had initially set the judgment date for September 18 but postponed it until today.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, listed Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively.