By DAYO ADESULU
Court Orders Party Leadership to Maintain Current Structure Until December 2025
On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling that prevents the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Mr. Umar Damagum as the acting national chairman. The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu during a virtual proceeding, has significant implications for the party’s governance structure.
Court Directive on Party Leadership
Justice Lifu directed the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) to refrain from recognizing any individual as the national chairman until the party’s national convention, which is scheduled for December 2025. This ruling reinforces the party’s constitutional provisions regarding leadership changes.
Adherence to Party Constitution
In his judgment, Justice Lifu emphasized that according to Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP Constitution, national officers can only be elected during the national convention. He underscored that all party members must adhere to the constitution and operate within its legal framework.
Background of the Case
The case, designated FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2024, was initiated by Joshua Musa, SAN, on behalf of Senator Umar Maina, who claims to be the chairman of the PDP in Yobe State. The plaintiff alleged that certain stakeholders within the party were engaging in secretive meetings aimed at forcibly removing Damagum from his position, in violation of the PDP Constitution.
Allegations Against Stakeholders
Maina further alleged that Dr. Phillip Salawu, a former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, was being considered as a potential replacement for Damagum by the dissenting stakeholders. Upon learning of these plans, Maina submitted two letters of complaint to the national secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, but claimed that no action was taken despite the acknowledgment of receipt.
Court’s Conclusion
In delivering the judgment, Justice Lifu concurred with the plaintiff’s argument that Umar Damagum could only be replaced at the national convention or through a court order. He stated that any attempt to interrupt the remaining four-year tenure allocated to the northern region without convening a national convention would constitute a violation of the PDP Constitution.
This ruling underscores the importance of constitutional adherence within political parties and sets a precedent for governance and leadership transitions in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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