The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a lower court ruling that barred former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus; former Rivers Governor, Celestine Omehia; and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, from attending the party’s meetings.
In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal delivered separate judgments in favor of the appeals filed by the three party chieftains, finding merit in their arguments.
Previously, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an order preventing Secondus, Omehia, and Opara from participating in the National Executive Committee meetings or any deliberations or proceedings of the party.
However, the appellate court ruled that decisions about whether party members can attend meetings or participate in activities are internal matters for the political party to decide. The court emphasized that such issues are not justiciable and lie outside the court’s jurisdiction.
The Court of Appeal further declared the Federal High Court’s proceedings in these cases null and void, stating that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate matters concerning the internal affairs of the political party.
Additionally, the appellate court nullified the restraining orders made ex-parte by Justice Ekwo on April 5.
Further details on the case are expected to emerge.
