Court Sets June 13 for Hearing on Suit Challenging Ganduje's APC Chairmanship

The North Central APC Forum, led by Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga from Plateau State, filed the suit (number FHC/ABJ/CS/599/24) against Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The forum contends that Ganduje is unlawfully occupying the position of National Chairman, as it rightfully belongs to the North Central region based on party arrangements.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 13 to hear a suit challenging Abdullahi Ganduje's position as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court session, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, aims to address all aspects of the case and allow parties to present their arguments.

The North Central APC Forum, led by Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga from Plateau State, filed the suit (number FHC/ABJ/CS/599/24) against Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The forum contends that Ganduje is unlawfully occupying the position of National Chairman, as it rightfully belongs to the North Central region based on party arrangements.

Additionally, the forum seeks an order instructing INEC not to recognize any actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries, and nominations, since Ganduje assumed the role of APC chairman on August 3, 2023.

In their originating summons filed on May 6, the forum argues that the APC's National Executive Committee violated the party's constitution by appointing Ganduje from Kano State (North-West geo-political zone) to replace Senator Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State (North-Central geo-political zone).

According to the forum, this appointment contravenes Article 31.5(1) f of the APC constitution and exceeds the powers of the NEC. The true interpretation of Article 31.5(1) requires the party to follow specific procedures for replacing an officer in the event of a vacancy.

The forum asserts that the APC should have appointed a member from Nasarawa State or the North-Central region to the national chairman position.

During the recent court proceedings, the claimant's counsel, Ayuba Abdul, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for a hearing regarding substituted service of processes on Mr. Ganduje (the 1st defendant). Despite unsuccessful attempts by the bailiff to serve the embattled APC chairman, Ganduje's lawyer unexpectedly appeared in court without having received the court documents.

Given these unresolved issues, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until June 13 for the hearing of the substantive suit and the preliminary objection. Parties were directed to file and respond to applications in the suit before the next adjourned date, and INEC will receive a hearing notice since they were not represented in court.

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