Following the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) by the court of appeal, the National Working Committee of APC has named Senator Abiola Ajimobi as its acting national chairman.
The APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu disclosed this in a statement last night, saying the decision was in response to the suspension of the National Chairman by the High Court which was later upheld by the Appeal Court pending to determination of the substantive suit.
The publicity Secretary said, “Guided by the party’s legal department in line with the provisions of section 14.2 (iii) of the party’s constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will serve as the Party’s acting National chairman.
He added, “According to section 14.2 (iii), of the APC constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, North/South shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National chairman from his zone.”
Accordingly, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the All Progressive Congress.
A three-member panel of Justices led by Justice Eunice Onyemenam held that Oshiomhole’s appeal challenging his suspension lacked merit.
An FCT High Court had on 4th March granted an application by five members of the APC in Edo state suspending Oshiomhole from office.
In response, Oshiomhole, through his counsel, Damian Dodo, filled two appeals and a stay of execution of the judgement of the High Court contending that the court lacked jurisdiction to handle the matter.
He joined, as respondents, members of the party who filed the action at the High Court:
Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Ansalem Ojezua, Sani Gomina, Hon. Fani Wabulari, Evangelist Princewill Ejogharado, the Inspector General of Police, and the state Security Service.
While arguing that the five individuals, who brought the action at the high court, lacked the locus stand to file the action, Oshiomhole contended that he was not given a fair hearing since the issues decided in the suit number: FCT/HC/CV/837/2020 at the interlocutory stage as those for the main hearing.
However, in the Judgement of the first appeal, Justice Onyemena slammed Oshiomhole argument, on the premise that Salihu, Ojezua and Gomina, being key members of the party in Edo state, could file the action.
Meanwhile, on Jurisdiction of Abuja High Court, Justice Onyemenam held that order 4 of the FCT High Court Civil Procedure Rules grant the Court territorial jurisdiction where parties reside in the FCT, adding that Oshiomhole lives in Abuja and the APC also has a registered office in Abuja.
“Having resolved the issues in favour of the respondents, I find no merit in the appeal.
The same fails and is hereby dismissed.
“Accordingly, I affirm the decision of the trial court dismissing the appellant’s preliminary objection in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/837/2020 filed on 2nd of March, 2020.”
Earlier, the Judge dismissed the argument of Oshiomhole that the action by the five-party officials is an abuse of court process, citing the withdrawal and ruling of the court striking out the earlier suit.
Meanwhile, in the second appeal which the lead judgement was read by Justice Mohammed Lamido, the appellate court unanimously dismissed Oshiomhole’s submission that he was not granted a fair hearing.
