By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Federal High Court sitting in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, has adjourned to May 28, 2025, the case filed by Barrister Dahiru Sheikh Mujaddadi against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and four others, challenging the conduct of recent party congresses in the state.
The suit, filed on May 7, 2025, is being heard by Hon. Justice Hassan Dikko. The plaintiffs are seeking an order restraining the defendants from conducting further local government and state congresses in Jigawa.
In suit number FHC/DT/CS/19/2024, the defendants include the PDP, Hon. Umar M. Bature (National Organizing Secretary), Alhamdulillah Ali Diginsa (former state party chairman), H.E. Sheriff Abdullahi (Chairman, Jigawa State Local Government Congress Electoral Committee), and Hon. Bello Isyaku (Chairman, Local Government Congress Electoral Appeal Committee, Jigawa State).
Speaking to journalists after the court session at the Three Arms Zone in Dutse, Hon. Abba Anas Adamu, who identified himself as Chairman of the Committee on Justice and Privileges within the aggrieved PDP faction, explained that the case was filed to challenge the legitimacy of the recently held ward, local government, and state congresses conducted by the party.
He alleged that the congresses were riddled with irregularities, claiming they were conducted in private residences, while the state congress amounted to mere appointments rather than democratic elections. He also accused the party leadership of sidelining members and running the PDP in Jigawa like a “one-man show.”
“We approached the court to seek justice and fair hearing because the congresses were not conducted in line with the PDP’s guidelines and constitution,” Adamu said.
He further warned that continued marginalization of party members could spark deeper crises within the party. “The leadership must treat everyone fairly, or there will be problems,” he cautioned.
The case was adjourned to May 28, 2025, for further mention.