Court Fixes Dec 17 To Hear Case To Dissolve Buni-Led Caretaker Committee

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Jabi has fixed December 17 for the hearing of a suit seeking to set aside all actions and decisions taken by the Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), abujareporters.com.ng reports.

The suit marked is also praying the court to dissolve APC’s CECPC under Buni.

The suit was filed by an aggrieved member of the APC, Okosisi Emeka Ngwu, through his lawyer, Oba Maduabuchi (SAN).

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The defendants in the suit are: the APC, Isiaka Oyetola, Ken Nnamani, Stella Okorete, Sani Bello, Dr. James Lalu, Senator Abubakar Yusuf, Akenyemi Olaide, David Leon, Abba Ali, Prof. Tahir Mammam, Ismail Ahmed and Senator John James Akpanudoedehe.

Ngwu claimed that he wanted to contest the position of the National Chairman of the APC in 2018 when the term of Adams Oshiomhole of the party expired.

The party chieftain said he was prevailed upon to allow the then chairman to be returned un-opposed.

He added that after two years, he was surprised that the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) was dissolved and the CECPC was created and Buni made to unilaterally head the committee.

The plaintiff said he was surprised that, by the constitution of the party the NEC would be in office for four years until June 22, 2022.

Ngwu prayed the court to determine whether or not there is any organ of the APC called CECPC created in or by the party’s constitution.

The party chieftain also prayed the court to determine whether or not the body called the CECPC is among those created by Article 11 of the constitution of the political party called the APC.

He urged the court to also determine whether or not, pursuant to Section 87(4) of the Electoral Act (as amended), any other organ of a political party can validly fix a date for the holding of nomination for the governorship candidate of the political party, including the APC, apart from the NEC of the party.

The plaintiff urged the court to determine whether or not a valid candidate or officer of the party can be elected from a congress fixed by any other organ of a political party outside the NEC of a political party, including the APC.

He also prayed the court to declare that unless an election is conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and by an organ known to be and created by the APC, no valid candidates can emerge from such a primary.

The court, presided over by Justice Babangida Hassan, has granted the prayers of APC’s lawyer, Daniel Akinwale, for an order to extend the time to enter appearance and to file other court processes.