The Kano State High Court has granted an ex parte order suspending the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, from the party.

The order, issued by Justice Usman Malam Na’abba on Tuesday, also barred Ganduje from presiding over any activity of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The decision stemmed from an ex parte motion filed by Dr. Ibrahim Sa’ad, representing members of the executive committee of APC in Ganduje Ward of Dawakin Tofa local government area of Kano State.

The Ward Exco members were part of a group of nine ward executives who earlier announced Ganduje’s suspension from the party on Monday.

The court, therefore, gave an interim injunction directing all parties involved, including the APC, its NWC, Kano State Working Committee of the party, and Ganduje himself, to maintain the status quo as of April 15, 2024, pending a full hearing on the matter set for April 30.

Justice Na’abba further ordered the Kano State Working Committee of the APC to refrain from interfering with the decision of the Ganduje Ward executives of the party, which was endorsed by a two-third majority as stipulated by the party’s constitution.

The ward executives acted on a petition submitted by a party member from Ganduje’s polling unit, urging them to investigate the accusations bribery and corruption against the APC national chairman, to protect the party’s image and President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption efforts.

While the ward chairman and secretary reportedly failed to act on the petition filed on April 8, nine members, led by the legal adviser, went ahead to pronounce Ganduje’s suspension.

Their decision was immediately rebutted by the state working committee of the party, who accused the ward executives of anti-party activities and suspended them for six months.

– Adegoroye hosts Gov’s campaign team in Akure

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday continued his tour across the 18 local government areas to engage with stakeholders in preparation for the gubernatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, scheduled for Saturday.

This was disclosed to the media in a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

The campaign train of the Governor moved to Ese Odo, Irele, and Akure South Local Government areas where he received an enthusiastic and rousing welcome by the people.

Commencing at Igbekebo, headquarters of Ese-Odo, party leaders and supporters unanimously voiced their support for Governor Aiyedatiwa as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate.

Addressing the crowd of party loyalists, the Governor said: “It has been collectively decided by our party leaders that I should continue serving as the governor of Ondo state beyond 2025. This decision mirrors the desires and aspirations of our esteemed party leaders. However, it’s imperative to acknowledge the electoral process that lies ahead.

“On Saturday, let us unite in our respective wards to translate this aspiration into reality. Unlike the main election scheduled for November, this time, instead of using our thumbs, we will convene in our wards and rally behind our choice.

“I express my profound gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, I am confident we will emerge triumphant come Saturday.”

In Irele local government as well, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed immense appreciation for the remarkable support from party members. He encouraged them to vote for him on Saturday.

Earlier, the Governor had paid a visit to Oba Prof. Sunday Amusehan, Kalasuwe of APoi Land, the Odogbo of Omi, Oba Olorunsola Akinyelure and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and the Councils of Obas in each of the three local government areas.

During these visits, he expressed gratitude to the Obas for their endorsement and pledged to sustain the state’s developmental programs. The Governor also received royal blessings and prayers during these interactions.

The Deji of Akure and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, commended the governor for his commitment to the welfare of the traditional institution in the state.

He voiced confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s victory on Saturday and, on behalf of all the chiefs in Akure kingdom, the king pledged their unwavering support for the Governor.

Addressing the party faithful at Democracy Park in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa conveyed his delight at the large turnout for the event.

The Governor thanked the supporters from all wards, saying that with such overwhelming support from Akure South, victory is within reach.

After the Akure South rally, the campaign team of the Governor was treated to a reception at the residence of former Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, who said the entire Akure community has decided to support Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Reports emerging within the People’s Democratic Party( PDP), indicate that the camp led by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, is encountering challenges in maintaining unity as the crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party draws nearer.

Sources suggest that a prominent member of the G-5 faction, also a serving governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has decided to distance himself from the group.

The governor, who has experienced strained relations with the faction lately, is reportedly aligning with voices advocating for a change in the party’s status quo.

While the Wike-led camp is rooting for Ambassador Illiya Damagum to retain his seat as the PDP national chairman, the other camp, led by former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar are pushing for the emergence of Senator Gabriel Suswam.

The NEC meeting, scheduled for this Thursday, will be preceded by other strategic meetings starting today, including the PDP governors’ forum meeting, the PDP Caucus and the Board of Trustees (BoT).

Apart from Suswam, former minister Humphrey Abba (Kogi State) and Dr Emmanuel Agbo (Benue State) have indicated interest in emerging as party chairman. They all hail from North Central.