On Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Felix Morka, emphasized that the ruling party will not comply with the initial court order affirming Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje’s suspension as national chairman.
Morka also pointed out that the national chairman of the party has not received any summons regarding the initial court order restraining him.
While speaking as a guest on Arise TV, Morka confirmed that they have chosen to support the recent ruling of the Kano Federal High Court calling for a stay of the order.
A new development unfolded in the political saga in Kano on Wednesday when a Federal High Court, overseen by Justice A.M Liman, halted the purported suspension of Ganduje by his ward executives in Dawakin Tofa Local Government area of the state.
This ruling came after Ganduje filed an ex parte motion seeking to uphold his fundamental right to a fair hearing.
The respondents in the application include the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and nine other individuals.
Morka argued that it was the appropriate action to take considering that those behind the suspension were not officially recognized members of the party.
He stated, “The initial court order was quite troubling for several reasons. Firstly, the plaintiffs who initiated the action are not officially recognized members of our party and thus should not have the authority to seek such an order from the court.
“Secondly, as per judicial practice from the Supreme Court down to the NJC, judges are cautious about issuing far-reaching orders on an ex parte motion or application.
“When a case has the potential to significantly harm the defendant, adequate notice should be given within the context of the ex parte application to ensure fairness. However, in this case, the judge upheld the illegal suspension of a national chairman without proper consideration.
“As a legal practitioner, I hold the court in high regard and will not delve further into this. Nonetheless, as of now, the Kano State High Court order affirming the suspension of our national chairman has not been served to the party or the national chairman.
“Hence, all discussions surrounding this issue, including whether we will adhere to the order or not, are premature as we have not been officially notified. At present, a Federal Court has issued a restraining order against the individuals who sought to enforce the suspension.”
“We are at a status quo where Ganduje remains our national chairman, as we were before the alleged suspension.”