Justice Abbas Bawale of the Katsina State High Court has struck out a suit filed by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the conduct of the party’s ward congresses.
The court delivered its ruling yesterday, citing a lack of jurisdiction to hear the case.
The judge ruled that the matter pertains to the internal affairs of the PDP which the complainants should have resolved within the party.
He emphasised that his decision aligns with previous Supreme Court rulings which have consistently held that courts cannot interfere in the internal issues of political parties.
“This court is bound by the decisions of the Supreme Court. The matter revolves around the affairs of the defendant and this court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain it,” Justice Bawale stated.
Counsel to the complainants, Barrister Mustapha Shitu, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and disclosed plans to appeal.
“We are not comfortable with the areas where the court disagreed with us.
Although the court agreed with us on some issues raised, we will appeal the judgment because there are many state congresses that were cancelled for not giving members the right to participate or contest,” Mahuta said.
The ruling is expected to spark further legal proceedings as the complainants seek redress at the appellate court.
The case underscores ongoing tensions within the PDP over internal party processes, with factional disputes continuing to challenge the party’s unity ahead of upcoming elections.
