In a significant ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit aimed at removing Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the judgment, outlining multiple grounds for the dismissal.
The case was brought before the court by the Northern Central APC Group, which challenged Ganduje’s appointment, arguing that it violated the APC’s Constitution. Specifically, they claimed that his appointment breached Article 13 of the party’s constitution, asserting that it was not conducted through the democratic process stipulated by the party’s rules.
Court’s Findings
Justice Ekwo found that the Northern Central APC Group lacked legal standing, stating that it is not a recognized juristic entity and therefore does not have the capacity to initiate such a lawsuit. The judge emphasized that the group’s failure to seek resolution through the internal mechanisms of the party before resorting to litigation further undermined their case.
Additionally, Justice Ekwo reinforced that the appointment of officers by the APC’s National Executive Committee is an internal matter, declaring that such issues fall outside the jurisdiction of the court. This ruling upholds the principle that political parties retain the right to govern their internal affairs without judicial interference.
Implications of the Ruling
This judgment is a crucial affirmation of the autonomy of political parties in Nigeria, allowing them to manage their internal processes without external disruption. It underscores the importance of following established protocols within party structures, particularly concerning appointments and elections.
As the APC continues to navigate its leadership dynamics, this ruling may impact future challenges related to party governance and the legal standing of factions within political organizations.
