By Aminu Garko

A High court in Kano has fixed May 27 for hearing three applications in the case of the suspension of National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.

The Applications to be entertained by the court are preliminary Objection, jurisdiction and joinder Applications.

The Applicants Haladu Gwanjo and Laminu Sani Borguma through their Counsel Ibrahim Sa’ad informed the court that, he filed motion experte with 13 paragraph affidavit seeking an order for interim injunction on Ganduje’s suspension.

Recalled that, the court had on 17th April granted an order directing parties to maintain status quo as at the 15th day of April, 2024 in relation to the suspension of the fourth respondent from the first respondent by the Ganduje Ward executive committee restraining the respondents whether by themselves, servants, agents, privies from taking any step contrary to the decision of the executive committee of Ganduje Ward which suspends the fourth respondent from the first respondent political party pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

When the case was mentioned on Tuesday, counsel to the applicant, Ibrahim Sa’ad told the court that, they were served with the counter affidavit by the respondent in the morning in Court.

He asked for another date to enable them respond to the application.

Counsel to the first, second and third respondents MM Duru did not object to the request made by the counsel to the applicant for a new date to be given.

“We have filed and served all parties our motion dated April 24 challenging the jurisdiction of this Court to entertain this matter.”

The Counsel to the fourth respondent, Lydia Oyewo who also did not object for the new date told the court that, her client was not served with the court processes and therefore was a breach to court order.

“We have not been served with the processes of the Court. The plaintiff is in contempt of the court because they have failed with the order of the Court directing him to serve all the defendants in the matter.

“Particularly, we are appearing out of respect to the court. Our client have not been served so we could not file any processes before the Court.

“However we have been unable to compile and transmit record. In essence the court of appeal is not yet seized with the jurisdiction for the matter and then for this court to determine and continue with the matter pending when we did the needful.”

“This matter is an intra party matter and the court has held severally to even to the apex court that the court does not have jurisdiction to hear and determine intra party matters that has to do with leadership, membership and discipline of members.”

On their part, parties seeking to be joined led by Barrister S.U Jibril informed the Court of their position in joining the matter before it.

After listening to both counsels, Justice Usman Malam Na’abba fixed 27 May to enable both parties to serve their processes and for hearing of the three applications.

The Peoples Democratic Party, on Tuesday, presented a Certificate of Return to its Ondo State governorship candidate, former Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission has set November 16, 2024, as the scheduled date for the Ondo State Governorship election.

The former Deputy Governor won the primary conducted by PDP on Thursday last week.

In his welcome remarks, the Acting National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Umar Damagum, while presenting the Certificate of Return, noted that dissenting voices marked the APC primary.

Damagum said, “At a time our opponents could not put their acts together, but we in the opposition much was expected of us and we shamed them, we produced a candidate without a dissenting voice. It’s because of what we have put in place that has made this possible.”

Describing the steps taken by the PDP to ensure a smooth primary process, Damagum stated, “During our stakeholders meeting, we agreed that all the aspirants must come from the South, and by the grace of God, that is what happened. This shows the party’s preparedness to take over Ondo State.

“Even from the last election we know that Ondo is PDP and from the stakeholders meeting and other engagements, we were able to come out with a single candidate.”

He advised Ajayi not to assume that all of his fellow aspirants have conceded to him.

Damagum stressed the significance of extending efforts to secure their support and ensure victory for the PDP in the state.

The PDP National Chairman highlighted the challenge of winning the state for the PDP and encouraged Ajayi to commence vigorous campaigning, including door-to-door outreach.

He continued, “You must work hard to make sure PDP takes Ondo State, but we will have our stakeholders meeting in the South West on Monday and work for the party.

“Unlike the other parties, we have an internal working mechanism and when we talk to ourselves we are not garrison commanders, but we engage and that is why till today PDP remains a brand. It is the only party that you will come as nobody and becomes somebody.”

In his acceptance speech, the PDP gubernatorial candidate Ajayi pledged wholehearted commitment to securing victory in the forthcoming election slated for November 16.

Ajayi highlighted that the upcoming gubernatorial election offers the PDP a distinct chance to foster genuine and enduring development for the people of Ondo, as well as for the party.

He said: “It is truly humbling, and I accept this responsibility and promise to carry out work towards winning the upcoming election with utmost dedication as we all embark on a new journey in service to our beloved Ondo State and our party, the PDP.

“This election is a defining moment for us;  It is about all of us coming together to chart a new course for Ondo State.

“It is about embracing our collective vision and aspirations for a better, more prosperous future; it, therefore, cannot be about me alone.

“The forthcoming November 16th governorship election presents us a unique opportunity to bring about real and sustainable development for the people of Ondo, and the PDP, as the largest political party in Africa, is positioned to lead this transformational change.

“The challenges we face, from poverty to unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship, require urgent and decisive action. We cannot afford to dwell on past mistakes or divisive rhetoric.

“Instead, we must focus on uniting to provide solutions that prioritize the well-being of our people and communities.

“Our vision for Ondo State is one of growth, opportunity, and equity. We envision a state where every child has access to quality education, where healthcare is affordable and accessible, and where infrastructure supports economic growth and connectivity.”

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, and member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Hon. Charles Idahosa, has resigned his membership of the party.

He announced his decision to quit the PDP in a letter titled “Letter of Resignation” which was addressed to the Chairman of Ehor Ward 1 of the party in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State and copied to the Chairman, BoT of the PDP, South South National Vice Chairman, the State Chairman and Uhunmwonde Local Government Chairman of the party.

“I trust this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to formally announce my decision to resign from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and my role as a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT). As a representative of the South South Nigerian region, this decision comes after considerable contemplation and reflection on my personal and political journey.

“Throughout my tenure within the Peoples Democratic Party, I have been privileged to contribute to its vision and mission. However, after careful consideration, I believe it is time for me to pursue new paths and opportunities beyond the party’s confines.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the PDP community for their unwavering support and camaraderie during my time of service. I remain committed to upholding the values and principles that have guided my political engagement thus far. I look forward to new avenues of growth and contribution, and I extend my best wishes to the Peoples Democratic Party as it continues its important work,” the letter read.

Honourable Idahosa, a former Local Government Chairman and Political Adviser to ex-Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole, did not however indicate his next political move.