The Katsina State High Court has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to remove Umar Iliya Damagum as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The suit, filed by PDP member Ibrahim Musa, challenged the legitimacy of Damagum’s appointment, arguing that it was unconstitutional.
Basis of the Challenge
Musa’s legal argument centered on the replacement of the former PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. He contended that Ayu’s successor should have been selected from the North-Central geopolitical zone, Ayu’s region of origin. However, Umar Damagum hails from a different region.
Court’s Ruling
Justice Abdullahi Bawa-Faskari dismissed the case, ruling that the selection of party leadership falls under the internal affairs of the PDP and, therefore, is beyond the court’s jurisdiction. The judge upheld the preliminary objection raised by the defendants and declared the case “not justiciable.”
“The matter is not justiciable being one which falls entirely within the internal affairs of the party, and the court has no jurisdiction,” Justice Bawa-Faskari stated in his ruling.
Bottom Line
The court’s decision reinforces the principle that party leadership issues are to be handled internally and are not subject to judicial review, reaffirming Umar Iliya Damagum’s position as the National Chairman of the PDP.
