The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a lower court’s decision, allowing former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Rivers Governor Celestine Omehia, and former Deputy Speaker Austin Opara to attend party meetings. The lower court had barred them from attending PDP meetings, but the appellate court found merit in their appeals and set aside the orders.
The Court of Appeal held that the issue of party members attending meetings is an internal matter, not justiciable, and beyond the court’s jurisdiction. It ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear and determine suits dealing with internal party affairs.
The appellate court declared the proceedings and restraining orders made by Justice Ekwo null and void. This decision allows Secondus, Omehia, and Opara to participate in PDP meetings and activities, reversing the earlier restrictions imposed on them.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling emphasizes the importance of internal party matters being resolved within the party, rather than through the courts. This decision may have implications for future disputes within political parties in Nigeria.
