TheCable

The All Progressives Congress (APC) ward executives of Dawakin ward in Tofa LGA of Kano have written a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) against Usman Na’Abba, a judge.

Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the APC, is from Dawakin ward.

The petition was written to the National Judicial Council (NJC) to complain about an ex parte order granted by the judge in the purported suspension of Ganduje from APC.

It was signed by Ahmad Ganduje, ward chairman, and 26 executives of the party.

Na’Abba had upheld the suspension of Ganduje following an ex parte motion filed by one Ibrahim Sa’ad, on behalf of executive members of the APC in Ganduje’s ward.

On April 15, APC executives in Dawakin ward in Tofa LGA of Kano suspended Ganduje over alleged corruption.

However, the working committee of the APC in Kano subsequently nullified the suspension and punished the ward executives.

In the petition dated April 17 and addressed to Olukayode Ariwoola, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) and chairman of the NJC, the ward executives said the ex parte order was without due process.

“The alleged suspension was therefore invalid and of no effect whatsoever having been issued by persons who impersonated members of our ward executive committee and we wish to reiterate that these persons are non-card-carrying members of our party,” the petition reads.

“The issuance of an ex parte order in a politically sensitive matter involving the leadership of a political party without ensuring that all internal remedies have been exhausted raises concerns about the proper judicial process.

“The decision to intervene in internal party affairs without clear and compelling reasons to circumvent the party’s own mechanisms appears to be constitutional overreach.

“This action sets a concerning precedent regarding the impartiality and scope of judicial intervention in political party governance.”

The leaders of the party asked the NJC to conduct a thorough review of the ruling.

“Evaluate the adherence to judicial guidelines and the Nigerian constitution in the context of non-interference in political party affairs,” it reads.

“Assess potential disciplinary measures if it is found that Hon. Justice Usman Mallam Na’Abba acted beyond his jurisdiction or displayed conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer.”

They said the petition was submitted in the interest of upholding the integrity of the judiciary.