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A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former media adviser to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, Sani Umar, has characterized the recent court ruling against the party as politically motivated and biased.
Umar expressed this sentiment during an interview with Arise TV, where he responded to the ruling issued by Justice Omotosho, which mandated the PDP to provide a 21-day notice prior to holding its national convention.
He contended that the ruling did not accurately represent the facts of the case and granted reliefs that the plaintiffs had never requested.
“The ruling by Justice Omotosho was prejudicial, premeditated, and politically motivated,” Umar stated.
“He granted the plaintiffs what they did not even request. The issue of a 21-day notice was not part of their demands, yet he chose to include it.”
He accused the judge of demonstrating bias in cases involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who he claimed has been instigating crises within the PDP.
“We are aware that any case before Justice Omotosho involving Wike will not be favorable to the PDP,” Umar alleged.
“He has exhibited bias, and we intend to file a petition with the National Judicial Council regarding this matter.”
Umar noted that the court overlooked critical issues raised by the PDP, including the jurisdiction question, and failed to consider the party’s arguments.
“We requested the court to rule on the jurisdiction issue since the matter pertains to internal party affairs,” he explained. “However, the judge did not address that point. Instead, he proceeded with the case and dismissed our submissions.”
Further commenting on the suspension crisis affecting the PDP, Umar stated that the four members who claimed to have suspended the National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, lacked the authority to do so, as they did not constitute a quorum of the National Working Committee (NWC).
“Those who declared the suspension of the national chairman do not possess such authority,” he asserted.
“The NWC comprises 19 members, and merely four of them cannot form a quorum to conduct a valid meeting, let alone suspend the national chairman.”
He added that the suspension announced by the group was reactionary and intended to mislead the public.
“Their objective is to sow confusion in the public’s perception. However, among PDP members, we understand that the NWC chaired by Damagum adhered to the proper procedures.”
Umar emphasized that the National Working Committee acted strictly in accordance with the provisions of the PDP Constitution when suspending members for misconduct.
“Sections 58 and 59 of our constitution empower the committee to suspend any member found guilty of misconduct,” he stated. “The national chairman officially convened the meeting, and 15 members were present. That constitutes a clear quorum.”
He affirmed that the PDP would appeal the ruling and continue with its convention, asserting that the decision was intended to hinder the party’s reorganization efforts.
“We will appeal the judgment and seek a stay of execution. Once that is granted, the ruling will no longer be enforceable, allowing us to proceed with our convention.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the court's ruling regarding the PDP's national convention?
The court ruled that the PDP must provide a 21-day notice before holding its national convention.
What are Sani Umar's views on the judgment?
Umar believes the judgment is politically motivated and biased, claiming it does not reflect the facts of the case.
What actions will the PDP take following the judgment?
The PDP plans to appeal the judgment and seek a stay of execution to proceed with its convention.
