The spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Jigawa State, Umar Kyari Jitau, has welcomed the Court of Appeal judgment affirming an earlier ruling that nullified the party’s national congress held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Jitau stated that the Jigawa chapter of the party had from the beginning maintained that an injustice was committed against former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, when he was prevented from contesting during the congress.
In a unanimous decision delivered on Monday, a three member panel of the appellate court held that the appeal filed by the PDP lacked merit. The court ruled that the Federal High Court acted correctly when it delivered its judgment on October 31 and granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
The appellate court also rejected the PDP’s claim that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter on the grounds that the dispute was purely an internal affair of the party. The court held that the plaintiffs had the locus standi, or legal right, to institute the suit in order to protect their democratic rights.
The court further ruled that the PDP’s argument that it was denied fair hearing during the trial could not be substantiated.
Reacting to the judgment in an interview on Tuesday, Jitau described the ruling as a victory for democracy within the party.
“We in the PDP in Jigawa State are happy with the judgment delivered by the court. From the beginning, we told the world that what happened was not right. It was an injustice to democracy,” Jitau said.
He explained that the dispute arose from the exclusion of Lamido from participating in the congress.
“Among those who founded the party and have worked tirelessly for its growth is Alhaji Sule Lamido, yet he was denied the opportunity to contest in the congress in broad daylight due to personal interests,” he said.
According to him, Lamido challenged the process in court, which eventually resulted in the nullification of the congress.
“After he went to court, the court confirmed that what happened was not right and nullified the election. Now the Court of Appeal has also upheld that earlier judgment,” he stated.
Jitau said the ruling now opens the way for preparations for a fresh congress within the party.
“Now it is necessary to return and begin preparations for a new congress. From what we are hearing, by next month, God willing, another congress will be held where new executives will be elected,” he added.
He also expressed optimism that the development would help restore stability within the party.
“Alhamdulillah, the PDP will now experience a revival and return to the way it was before,” Jitau said.
