APC North Central Forum to Challenge High Court Decision on Ganduje Removal

The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has vowed to challenge a recent Federal High Court ruling that dismissed their suit seeking to annul the appointment of Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the APC. The Forum is committed to filing an appeal against the decision, expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome and emphasizing the need for clarity on the constitutionality of Ganduje’s appointment.

Background: Controversy Over Ganduje’s Appointment

The controversy began when the North Central APC Forum took legal action against Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging the legitimacy of Ganduje’s appointment as National Chairman. The Forum argued that his selection violated the APC’s 2022 amended constitution and the party’s established zoning arrangements, which allocate the Chairmanship position to the North Central region rather than the North West, where Ganduje hails from.

In their suit, the Forum insisted that Ganduje’s appointment breached Article 13 of the APC Constitution, as it was not conducted through the democratic process outlined in the party’s laws. They emphasized that adherence to these principles is crucial for maintaining the party’s integrity and ensuring equitable representation across regions.

Federal High Court’s Ruling and Grounds for Dismissal

On Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the Forum’s suit, citing that the North Central APC Forum is not recognized as a juristic person and lacks the legal standing to initiate such a lawsuit. He further noted that the appointment of officers within the APC by its National Executive Committee (NEC) is an internal affair that the court cannot interfere with. Additionally, Justice Ekwo criticized the Forum for failing to exhaust the party’s internal mechanisms for dispute resolution before seeking legal intervention.

The dismissal of the case has left the Forum dissatisfied, prompting their resolve to challenge the ruling in an appellate court. They maintain that their objective is to seek an interpretation of the APC’s constitution, particularly regarding the zoning arrangement and the process of electing party officials.

APC Forum’s Response and Intent to Appeal

Reacting to the judgment, the Chairman of the North Central APC Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, expressed the Forum’s intention to pursue an appeal. He highlighted that their primary concern is to seek judicial clarity on the party’s 2022 amended constitution and its zoning arrangements, which were not adequately addressed in the ruling.

Zazzaga stated, “We will appeal the judgment, and our lawyer has already been instructed to file the appeal. One vital thing we are seeking from the court is the interpretation of the Party’s 2022 constitution as amended and the zoning arrangement, but that wasn’t done.”

He also emphasized the urgency for the APC leadership and President to reconsider Ganduje’s position, arguing that retaining him as National Chairman could result in legal challenges and jeopardize the party’s standing, especially in the North Central region. He cautioned, “The earlier the President and the Party realize that Ganduje’s continued stay in office is a retrogression for the Party and will incur legal liabilities, the better. We believe the Party will not want to trade the whole of the North Central region for Ganduje.”

Implications for the APC and Its Zoning Policy

The ongoing dispute underscores the broader issue of zoning arrangements within Nigerian political parties, a practice designed to ensure regional representation and foster unity across diverse regions. The APC’s zoning policy aims to rotate leadership positions among different geopolitical zones to promote inclusivity and prevent domination by any particular region.

The North Central APC Forum’s legal action reflects concerns that disregarding these zoning agreements undermines the party’s commitment to fairness and regional balance. As the APC prepares for future electoral contests, addressing such disputes becomes crucial for maintaining party cohesion and demonstrating adherence to its foundational principles.

What’s Next for the APC and the Legal Battle?

With the North Central APC Forum set to appeal the Federal High Court’s decision, the legal battle over Ganduje’s appointment as National Chairman is far from over. This development may significantly impact the party’s internal dynamics and could lead to a reassessment of its approach to leadership selection and adherence to constitutional guidelines.

As the appeal process unfolds, the outcome will be closely watched by party members, political analysts, and stakeholders, as it could set a precedent for how political parties in Nigeria handle internal disputes and uphold zoning arrangements.

Conclusion

The North Central APC Forum’s decision to appeal the Federal High Court ruling represents a determined effort to seek judicial interpretation and enforcement of the party’s constitutional provisions. This case serves as a critical test for the APC’s commitment to its internal rules and zoning policies, highlighting the importance of transparency and adherence to democratic processes within political parties.

For a detailed report, you can read the original story at Vanguard News.

This development will be significant in the coming weeks as the APC navigates the challenges of ensuring fairness and unity within its ranks while addressing concerns raised by its members across different regions.

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