The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the expulsion of Chimaroke Nnamani, former Governor of Enugu State and an ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the grounds of alleged anti-party activities.
Justice James Omotosho, while delivering the judgement, emphasised that Nnamani had not been afforded a fair hearing in line with the PDP’s constitution.
The judge had it that according to Article 57 of the party’s constitution, only the National Executive Council (NEC) is empowered to convene a disciplinary committee, whereas the decision to expel Nnamani was made by the National Working Committee (NWC).
The judge further clarified that the PDP’s constitution stipulates that the NEC holds the authority to take disciplinary action against any erring member holding positions such as governor, deputy governor, or serving member of the National Assembly.
Nnamani, who previously represented Enugu East Senatorial District in the 9th Senate, lost his bid for re-election in the February 25 poll to Kelvin Chukwu, a candidate from the Labour Party.
The expulsion of the former senator by the PDP NWC took place during its 566th meeting on February 10, after haven been found guilty of allegations of engaging in anti-party activities by the party. Initially, Nnamani had been suspended on January 20 before eventually being expelled.
The allegations against Nnamani included campaigning for Senator Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), instead of supporting the PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Subsequently, Tinubu emerged victorious in the presidential election held on February 25 and was officially declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He assumed office as the President of Nigeria on May 29.
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