The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 23, 2024, for the judgment on a suit seeking the removal of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The judgment had initially been slated for September 18, but it was delayed, with the court informing parties that the decision was not ready.
Justice Inyang Ekwo had previously announced the September 18 judgment date during a session on July 5. However, when the case did not appear on the court’s cause list on Wednesday, an inquiry revealed that the judgment had been postponed. According to the court registrar, all parties were notified of the new date.
The suit, filed by the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, challenges Ganduje’s appointment as APC Chairman on the grounds that he is not from the North Central geo-political zone. The plaintiffs, represented by their counsel, Benjamin Davou, argue that Ganduje’s appointment, which replaced Senator Abdullahi Adamu of Nasarawa State, violates the APC’s constitution.
The suit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, calls for Ganduje to be barred from acting as the APC Chairman, alleging that his appointment is unconstitutional. The plaintiffs claim that Ganduje’s selection from Kano State in the North West region is in violation of Article 31.5(1) f of the APC constitution, which mandates regional balance.
In addition to seeking Ganduje’s removal, the plaintiffs request that the court direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold recognition of any actions taken by the APC, such as congresses, primaries, and nominations, since Ganduje assumed the chairmanship on August 3, 2023.
The lawsuit lists Ganduje, the APC, and INEC as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents, respectively.
