A Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dismissed a lawsuit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The suit, filed by the APC North Central Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, was struck out by Justice Inyang Ekwo.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo stated that the APC North Central Forum is not a legally recognized entity, as it is not registered in law. Therefore, the group lacks the legal capacity to file such a suit. Additionally, the court found that the group had failed to explore internal mechanisms within the party for resolving the issue before seeking legal intervention.
Justice Ekwo emphasized that the appointment of party officers by APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is an internal matter of the party, one in which the court cannot intervene. He concluded that the group’s claims were not valid, as they had not followed proper procedures for addressing grievances within the party.
The APC North Central Forum had argued that Ganduje’s appointment violated Article 13 of the party’s constitution, which calls for a democratic process in appointing officials. They also contended that since former chairman Abdullahi Adamu’s tenure was cut short, the chairmanship should remain with the North Central region.
Despite these arguments, the court ruled that it could not interfere in the internal decisions of the party, effectively upholding Ganduje’s position as the APC National Chairman.