APC Petitions NJC, Demands Review of Court Order Against Ganduje
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) demanding the review of court order issued by Justice Usman Na’abba of Kano state High Court ordering the national chairman of the party, Abdulahi Ganduje.
Justice Na’abba had earlier stopped Ganduje from parading himself as the chairman.
However, in a petition dated April 17 and signed by the Chairman of Ganduje’s ward, Mahmud Ganduje and 26 others, asked the NJC to evaluate the adherence with judicial guidelines and the constitution in the context of non-interference and political party affairs.
It said: “We, the Executive Committee members of Ganduje Ward, Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, write to formally bring to your attention and seek intervention concerning the actions of Hon Justice Usman Mallamm Na‘abba, presiding over Court 4 of the High Court of Kano State, in a ruling involving our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Hon. Justice Usman Mallam Na‘abba granted an Ex-parte Order suspending H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and further restrained him from performing his role as the National Chairman.”
It stated categorically that the decision to intervene in internal party affairs without clear and compelling reasons to circumvent the party’s own mechanisms appears to constitute judicial overreach.
It noted: “This action sets a concerning precedent regarding the impartiality and scope of judicial intervention in political Party governance.
‘In light of the above concerns, we respectfully request the National Judicial Council to: Conduct a thorough review of the circumstances and justification behind the decision of Hon. Justice Usman Mallam Na’abba to issue such Orders ‘against H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the APC
“Evaluate the adherence with judicial guidelines and the Nigerian Constitution in the context of non-interference and political Party affairs.
“Assess potential disciplinary measures if it is found that Hon. Justice Usman Mallam Na‘abba acted beyond his jurisdiction or displayed conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer.
“This petition is submitted in the interest of upholding the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring that political Party rights are not unduly infringed upon by premature judicial intervention.”
