The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal affirming the nullification of the party’s national congress held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The party’s spokesperson in the state, Umar Kyari Jitau, described the ruling as a victory for internal democracy, insisting that the earlier decision to bar former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, from contesting at the congress was unjust.
The Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment delivered on Monday by a three-member panel, dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP, ruling that it lacked merit. The appellate court held that the Federal High Court acted within its powers when it delivered its October 31 judgment nullifying the congress and granting the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
The court also rejected the PDP’s argument that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case on the grounds that the dispute was purely an internal party matter. According to the appellate court, the plaintiffs had the locus standi to approach the court in order to protect their democratic rights.
It further ruled that the party’s claim that it was denied fair hearing during the trial could not be substantiated.
Reacting to the development in an interview with Daily Post, Jitau said the Jigawa chapter had maintained from the outset that Lamido was unfairly excluded from the contest.
“We in the PDP in Jigawa State are happy with the judgment delivered by the court. From the beginning, we told the world that what happened was not right. It was an injustice to democracy,” he said.
Jitau explained that Lamido, a founding member of the party and former governor of Jigawa State, was prevented from contesting during the congress due to what he described as personal interests.
“Among those who founded the party and have worked tirelessly for its growth is Alhaji Sule Lamido, yet he was denied the opportunity to contest in the congress in broad daylight,” he added.
According to him, Lamido’s decision to challenge the process in court led to the eventual nullification of the congress.
“After he went to court, the court confirmed that what happened was not right and nullified the election. Now the Court of Appeal has also upheld that earlier judgment,” he said.
Jitau disclosed that the party would now begin preparations for a fresh congress to elect new executives.
“Now it is necessary to return and begin preparations for a new congress. From what we are hearing, by next month, God willing, another congress will be held where new executives will be elected,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that the development would help strengthen the party and restore confidence among its members.
“Alhamdulillah, the PDP will now experience a revival and return to the way it was before,” he said.
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