Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed the suit filed by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje challenging his dismissal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Kashere ward executive committee of the party.
Senator Goje was suspended and subsequently dismissed in April this year for his refusal to participate in party activities at all levels.
The former governor of Gombe was suspended for his refusal to attend the APC presidential campaigns and other local campaign events.
He was also said to be allegedly working against the party’s candidates at the state assembly, governorship, National Assembly and presidential levels, as well as open display of contempt and disloyalty towards the party leadership and constituted authority in Gombe State.
Senator Goje’s dismissal followed the report of an investigative committee set up by the APC Kashere ward executive committee.
The committee found the senator guilty of all charges and recommended his immediate suspension and expulsion from the APC.
The report was ratified by the Kashere Ward exco and subsequently endorsed by the Gombe State executive committee, as well as the executive committees of all the 11 LGA chapters in Gombe State.
Following his suspension and expulsion, Senator Goje approached the court to challenge the decision of the party.
However, in his judgment, Justice Egwuatu dismissed the suit filed by Senator Goje on grounds that Goje’s claim of lack of fair hearing lacks merit because Goje was given enough time by the committee to defend himself.
In its judgment, the court maintained that Senator Goje was aware of the allegations against him as there is newspaper publication availing him with the charges and the opportunity to defend himself on a certain date, time and venue.
The court further held that instead of Senator Goje to defend himself, he chose to stay away from the committee’s hearing.
The court therefore dismissed the matter for lack of merit.
The Gombe State APC executive committee applauded the judgment, saying it is an affirmation of party supremacy and a vote of confidence on party discipline.
It stated: “We urge Senator Goje to accept defeat and embrace the consequences of his treachery and betrayal to the APC, the party that gave him the platform to become a senator.
The victory will further galvanize the party to discipline all erring stakeholders who undermined the party during the last 2023 elections as the APC will not tolerate the actions of saboteurs and traitors at any level.
“The APC in Gombe State, further affirms its unshakeable confidence in the able leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, (Dan-Majen Gombe) and Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum, on his determination to build a strong, United and vibrant APC in Gombe State and beyond.”
