October 11, (THEWILL) – The Federal High Court, Abuja, has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Amb Umar Illiya Damagum, as Acting National Chairman of the party.
The restraining order follows a suit filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina against the PDP NEC, BoT, and others.
Maina, who claims to be the PDP chairman in Yobe State, alleged that certain party stakeholders have been secretly convening to orchestrate Damagum’s removal in blatant violation of party rules. He further claimed that Phillip Salawu, a former deputy governor of Kogi State, was being considered as a replacement.
Upon discovering the alleged plan, Maina sent two letters of complaint to the party’s national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. Despite acknowledging receipt of the letters, the national secretary and BoT members failed to address the issues raised.
Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joshua Musa, Maina prayed the court to enforce Articles 45, 47, and 67 of the PDP Constitution.
In a ruling on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu barred the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP from removing Amb Damagum until new national executives are elected in its national convention scheduled for December 2025.
Justice Lifu reviewed the PDP Constitution and related exhibits, concluding that Damagum can only be replaced during the national convention or via a court order. Citing Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP Constitution, Justice Lifu held that national officers can only be elected at the national convention
The judge emphasised that PDP members are required to adhere to the party’s constitution and act in accordance with its provisions.
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