The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a ruling that bars the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum as the Acting National Chairman. The court specified that Damagum will remain the recognized national chairman until the party’s national convention, scheduled for December next year.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered this decision in response to a suit filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina, asserting that according to Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP Constitution, the election of national officers can only occur at the National Convention. The judge emphasized the necessity for all party members to act in accordance with the party’s constitutional guidelines.
Maina, who identifies as the PDP chairman in Yobe State, alleged that certain stakeholders were attempting to oust Damagum, with Dr. Phillip Omeiza Salawu being pushed as a potential replacement. He stated that he had submitted two letters of complaint to the party’s national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, regarding these secret meetings, but received no response.
In his judgment, Justice Lifu affirmed that Damagum could only be replaced through the national convention or a court order, stating that any attempt to end his tenure prematurely would violate the PDP Constitution, particularly regarding the established rotation of leadership between northern and southern regions.
The judge dismissed the defendants’ arguments that Maina lacked the standing to bring the case and that the court lacked jurisdiction. He ruled that Maina had a legitimate interest in protecting the PDP Constitution and ensuring the northern region was not denied its rightful term.
Ultimately, Justice Lifu declared that the PDP NEC and BoT are bound by the party’s Constitution, allowing Damagum to serve the remainder of his term as national chairman.