Court Bars PDP NEC, BoT From Sacking Damagun As Acting National Chair

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an injunction restraining the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Umar Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of the party. This legal decision was prompted by actions within the PDP, where there were moves to potentially replace Damagum, who assumed the role following the suspension of the previous National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

Here are key points from the situation:

• Legal Action: A lawsuit was filed in the Federal High Court by an individual claiming to be the PDP Chairman in Yobe State, against the PDP and several of its organs, including the NEC and BoT. The suit argued that any attempt to remove Damagum without following the due process as outlined in the PDP’s constitution would be unconstitutional.
• Court’s Decision: Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court ruled in favor of maintaining the status quo by not allowing Damagum’s removal. The court emphasized that PDP members, including its highest organs, are bound by the party’s constitution, which mandates a rotational chairmanship between the north and south of Nigeria.
• Implications: This ruling upholds the principle of constitutional governance within political parties in Nigeria, where internal party leadership changes must adhere to established rules. It also reflects ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP regarding leadership, which often reflect broader regional power dynamics.
• Public Sentiment: From posts on X, there’s a mix of reactions with some users sharing the news as a significant development in Nigerian politics, indicating that this ruling has caught public attention, likely due to its implications on PDP’s internal stability and the ongoing political maneuvers within the party.

This scenario underscores the judicial oversight on internal party affairs in Nigeria, where courts can intervene to ensure that political parties operate within their constitutional frameworks. The involvement of the court in this matter also highlights the contentious nature of leadership roles within Nigerian politics, where legal battles often become a tool for resolving internal disputes.