APC Petitions NJC, Seeks Action Against Judge in Ganduje’s Case

• APC files petition with NJC against Justice Na‘abba over Ex-parte Order suspending party’s national chairman, citing procedural irregularities
• Petition emphasizes need for judicial review of Na’abba’s decision, adherence to judicial guidelines, and upholding political party rights

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has filed a petition with the National Judicial Council (NJC), calling for disciplinary action against Hon. Justice Usman Mallam Na‘abba. This follows the judge’s decision to grant an Ex-parte Order suspending Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s national chairman.

Justice Na’abba, presiding in the Kano State High Court, issued the Ex Parte Order on Wednesday, restraining Ganduje from representing himself as a party member and serving as its national chairman. Additionally, Ganduje was directed to cease overseeing the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) activities.

However, through a petition dated April 17, 2024, signed by all executive members of Ganduje’s ward in Kano, the APC contends that Ganduje was not served with the complaint and was not invited to participate in the alleged disciplinary proceedings against him.

The petition emphasizes the principle that judicial intervention in a political party’s internal affairs should only occur after the party has exhausted its internal mechanisms outlined in its constitution.

It raises concerns regarding Justice Na’abba’s unilateral judicial intervention, suggesting that it may have preempted internal party processes and potentially exceeded judicial boundaries.

The APC’s petition requests that the NJC conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding Justice Na’abba’s decision and evaluate its adherence to judicial guidelines and the Nigerian Constitution, particularly concerning non-interference in political party affairs.

Furthermore, the petition urges the NJC to consider disciplinary measures if it is found that Justice Na’abba acted beyond his jurisdiction or displayed conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer.

Ultimately, the petition asserts the importance of upholding the judiciary’s integrity and ensuring that political party rights are not infringed upon by premature judicial intervention.