By Habeeb Ibrahim
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The suit, filed by the North Central APC Forum, argued that Ganduje’s appointment by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) violated the APC constitution. However, Justice Inyang Ekwo, who delivered the ruling on Monday, held that the case was premature and fell within the internal affairs of the party.
The plaintiff, led by Saleh Zazzaga, contended that Ganduje’s selection breached Article 31.5(1F) of the APC constitution, which mandates the chairman to come from the same geopolitical zone as his predecessor. Ganduje, hailing from Kano State in the North-West, succeeded Abdullahi Adamu from the North-Central zone.
The group also sought to restrain Ganduje from performing his duties and requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not recognize any actions taken by the APC under his leadership, including party congresses and primaries.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, the plaintiffs further argued that Ganduje’s appointment was ultra vires the powers of the NEC. However, the court ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to file the suit, as they failed to provide credible evidence of their registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Justice Ekwo emphasized that internal party matters, such as appointments, should be settled within the party structure unless there is a clear violation of the law.
Despite the court’s dismissal of the case, Ayuba Abdul, counsel for the plaintiffs, revealed that the group intends to appeal the decision.
Ganduje’s appointment as APC chairman in August 2023 followed the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu amid growing internal party disputes. Since then, Ganduje has overseen significant party activities, including primaries for upcoming elections.
