The Kano High Court has issued an ex parte order preventing law enforcement authorities from summoning, arresting, or harassing ward officers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Ganduje Ward, Dawakin-Tofa local government area of Kano State. This order follows the suspension of Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the party, by certain executives, which sparked controversy when the state working committee of the party reversed the suspension.
In response to a lawsuit filed by factional ward officers represented by their counsel Shamsu Ubale Jibrin Esq, the court, presided over by Justice Yusuf Ubale Muhammad, granted a consolidated order on May 2, 2024. The order prohibits the APC National Working Committee (NWC), the State council of the party, and Ganduje from using security forces to apprehend or detain the ward executives until the motion on notice is heard and determined.
The factional ward officers, including Jafar Adamu, Haladu Gwanjo, and Laminu Sani Barguma, filed the motion seeking protection of their constitutional rights. They challenge the actions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 1 Kano, the Commissioner of Police Kano, APC, APC NWC, Kano APC State Council, and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The court’s interim injunction prevents the respondents from taking any action against the applicants related to the subject matter of the suit until the motion on notice is resolved. The order mandates that all relevant legal documents be served to the respondents before the next scheduled hearing on June 5, 2024.
In summary, the Kano High Court has intervened to safeguard the rights of factional ward officers within the APC, preventing law enforcement agencies from harassing or arresting them. This order comes amidst a dispute over the suspension of the party’s National Chairman and reflects ongoing legal proceedings to address internal party conflicts.
