The ongoing internal crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken a dramatic turn after a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday issued a restraining order preventing the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party from removing Umar Damagum as the Acting National Chairman.
News About Nigeria reports that the court order follows the move by the PDP NEC and BOT to remove Damagun as acting Chairman of the PDP.
Recall that following his removal, the faction of the PDP NWC, which suspended him, appointed Yayari Mohammed as the new acting national chairperson.
However, deciding on the matter today, Justice Peter Lifu held that the court judgement reinforces Damagum’s leadership until the party’s upcoming national convention slated for December next year.
Justice Lifu’s order is in response to a suit filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina, who raised concerns about an alleged plot within the party to prematurely replace Damagum.
Maina also argued that the decision to remove Damagun was a direct violation of the party’s constitution.
Delivering judgement on the matter today, Justice Lifu upheld Maina’s concerns, affirming that any alteration to PDP’s national leadership can only occur at a national convention or through a court order.
Citing Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP’s constitution, the judge explained that, “national officers can only be elected at the party’s convention, not through informal agreements or unsanctioned meetings.”
He further asked members of the PDP to abide by the party’s rules, adding that any attempts to deviate from the party’s guidelines risk undermining internal stability.
