A High Court in Katsina has dismissed a case filed by 7,095 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants, challenging the conduct of the party’s congresses in the state.
The court ruled that it has no jurisdiction to entertain the matter, as it relates to internal affairs of the party.The plaintiffs, led by Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, had filed a suit before the court, alleging that the party’s congresses were conducted unfairly, denying some members a level playing ground.
However, the defense counsel, Isaac Nwachukwu, argued that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the case, as congresses are internal affairs of the party.
Justice Abbas Bawale, delivering his judgment, held that the court only has jurisdiction to entertain matters arising from primary elections, not congresses.
He explained that this is also the position of the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court.
The plaintiffs have been given the right to appeal within 90 days. Reacting to the ruling, the plaintiffs’ counsel, Mustapha Shitu-Mahuta, said that they would file an appeal to the Court of Appeal.
