A Federal High Court in Abuja has set June 13 to hear a lawsuit aiming to prevent Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje from acting as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date to allow all parties involved to regularize their legal documents.
The lawsuit, filed by the North Central APC Forum and led by Saleh Zazzaga, names Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. The forum is challenging Ganduje’s appointment, arguing that it violates the APC constitution because Ganduje is from Kano State in the North West, while the previous chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, was from Nasarawa State in the North Central zone.
The claimants argue that Ganduje’s appointment contravenes Article 31.5(1) of the APC Constitution, which they interpret as requiring a replacement from the same geopolitical zone in the event of a vacancy. They are seeking a court order to prevent INEC from recognizing actions taken by the APC under Ganduje’s chairmanship.
During the hearing, the claimants’ counsel, Ayuba Abdul, requested an ex-parte motion for substituted service on Ganduje, as previous attempts to serve him had failed. Ganduje’s lawyer, Sanusi Musa, SAN, agreed to accept the documents on behalf of his client.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to June 13 for the hearing of the substantive suit and any preliminary objections. The court also directed that a hearing notice be issued to INEC, which was not represented in court.
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