The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has announced its decision to appeal a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that dismissed their case aimed at removing Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the party.

The forum initially filed a lawsuit against Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking to annul Ganduje’s appointment as chairman. This appointment occurred after the resignation of former chairman Abdullahi Adamu in July 2023, shortly after President Bola Tinubu took office.

Adamu, who hailed from Nasarawa State in the North-Central region, was succeeded by Ganduje from Kano State in the North-West. Ganduje’s appointment has faced significant pushback from North-Central party leaders, who argue that the chairmanship should remain within their region.

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On Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the forum’s case, stating that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to file the suit since the forum is not a recognized legal entity. Justice Ekwo emphasized that the plaintiffs had not exhausted internal dispute resolution mechanisms before turning to the court, highlighting that the appointment of APC officials by the National Executive Committee is an internal matter not subject to judicial intervention.

Chairman Saleh Zazzaga expressed disappointment with the court’s ruling and confirmed that the forum’s legal team has been instructed to file an appeal. Speaking to reporters in Jos, Plateau State, Zazzaga stated, “One crucial aspect we seek from the court is the interpretation of the party’s amended 2022 constitution, particularly concerning the zoning arrangements, which were not addressed.”

Zazzaga further asserted, “We will pursue this matter to a legal conclusion while continuing our discussions with party leaders and stakeholders from our region to advocate for our rights and interests within the APC structure.”

He also warned that Ganduje’s continued leadership could be detrimental to the party and might lead to legal repercussions, insisting, “The party should not sacrifice the entire North Central region for Ganduje. Appropriate actions must be taken.”

The forum contends that Ganduje’s appointment violated the amended 2022 APC constitution, particularly the zoning provisions that dictate chairmanship positions should be allocated to the North Central region instead of the North West, where Ganduje originates. They also argue that Ganduje’s appointment breached Article 13 of the APC Constitution by failing to follow the democratic processes outlined in the party’s regulations.