A challenging stance has been taken by the North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum, asserting that the appointment of Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman is invalid. The forum expressed concerns that allowing Ganduje to remain in the role could lead to legal consequences for the party, especially regarding the Edo and Ondo State primary elections held under his leadership.
These assertions were highlighted by the forum’s legal representative, Ayuba Abdul, who disclosed the filing of a lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja to contest Ganduje’s appointment, replacing Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa, a North Central state, in 2023.
In the lawsuit, the North Central APC Forum is listed as the claimant, with Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) named as the first, second, and third defendants respectively.
The suit seeks to annul Ganduje’s appointment on the grounds that the APC failed to adhere to the party’s constitutional procedures. It argues that the National Chairman position should rightfully belong to the North Central region. Among the forum’s demands are:
- A declaration that the APC must uphold internal democracy and adhere strictly to the rule of law.
- An assertion that the National Convention has the authority to elect or remove National Officers, including the National Chairman.
- An order for the appointment of a Chairman from Nasarawa State in the North Central Zone, in accordance with the APC constitution.
Also included in the suit are demands for nullifying Ganduje’s appointment and directing a fresh convention for electing a National Chairman or appointing one from Nasarawa State. The forum emphasized that their legal action aims at upholding fairness and justice within the party, with the ultimate objective of preserving the APC’s unity and strength.
According to Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the North Central APC Forum, the suit was a last resort after repeated calls to address the issue internally went unheeded. Zazzaga underscored the importance of taking corrective measures promptly to prevent potential turmoil and risks associated with Ganduje’s tenure as National Chairman.