August 16, (THEWILL) – The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, declared “null and void” orders by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus; Celestine Omehia and a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, from attending any meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) or participating in deliberations or proceedings of its meetings.
In a unanimous ruling on Friday, a three-member panel of the Court held that the issue of whether members of a party should attend its meetings or participate in any of its activities are issues to be determined by the political party.
According to the court, issues relating to whether or not members of a political party attend its meetings are entirely internal affairs of the party, which the court lacked jurisdiction.
The ruling follows three separate appeals filed by Secondus, Omehia and Opera challenging the order of the Federal High Court, which on April 5, bared them from PDP meetings.
The appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear suits dealing with internal affairs of a political party.
Consequently, it declare null and void the proceedings conducted in the three cases before the Federal High Court, voided same, as well as the restraining orders by Justice Ekwo.
