The case before the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the possible removal of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje from his post as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took an unexpected turn today. The trial date, originally scheduled for today, was postponed to September 23 after the case was not produced for the hearing.
According to information gathered by the News Agency of Nigeria, the parties involved in the case were contacted by the court registrar to reschedule the case as the judgment was not ready. The postponement of the decision surprised many observers who were eagerly awaiting the outcome of the case.
The trial was earlier scheduled by Justice Inyang Ekwo for July 5, but was later postponed to today. During the previous hearing, counsel for the plaintiff, Benjamin Davou, as well as the defence counsel, presented their arguments for and against the case.
The plaintiff, the North Central APC Forum led by Saleh Zazzaga, is questioning the legitimacy of Ganduje’s appointment as APC Chairman when he is not from the North Central geopolitical zone. In their petition, they are asking the court to compel Ganduje to stop running as APC Chairman, as well as order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the actions taken by the APC since Ganduje’s appointment in August 2023.
The main argument advanced by the plaintiff is that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi contravenes the party’s constitution. This is because Ganduje is from Kano State in the North West geopolitical zone, while Abdullahi was from Nasarawa State in the North Central geopolitical zone. This appointment would be contrary to Article 31.5(1) f of the APC Constitution and would be beyond the competence of the National Executive Committee of the party, according to the complainant.
This case illustrates the political tensions that can arise within political parties, particularly when it comes to high-level appointments. It is now up to the court to render its decision and clarify the legitimacy of Ganduje’s appointment as APC President. The court will hear the outcome of this case on 23 September, which has sparked strong reactions within the Nigerian political class.