The Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, on Tuesday sacked the Chief Benjamin Omale-led caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress in the state, affirming the legitimacy of the Comrade Austin Agada-led executive committee.
The appellate court, in Appeal No. CA/MKD/119/2024, also upheld the earlier judgment of the Makurdi High Court which nullified the dissolution of the Agada-led state executive by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), describing the move as unlawful.
Delivering the lead judgment, the Presiding Justice resolved all issues raised in the appeal against the appellant, effectively reinstating the Agada-led leadership as the valid executive of the party in Benue State.
The court further affirmed the consequential order of the trial court which declared that all actions and decisions taken by the Benjamin Omale-led caretaker committee were “null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”
The dispute stems from a protracted leadership crisis within the Benue APC, following the appointment of a caretaker committee headed by Omale after the suspension of the Agada-led executive by the party’s national leadership.
Omale, a known ally of Governor Hyacinth Alia, was the 10th respondent in the appeal but did not file independent processes before the appellate court.
The earlier ruling by the Makurdi High Court had voided the dissolution of the Agada executive and set aside the caretaker arrangement instituted by the party leadership.
Reacting to the judgment, the APC state publicity secretary, Daniel Ihomun, quoted Agada as commending the judiciary for what he described as a fair and courageous interpretation of the law, urging party members to remain calm and united.
The judgment is expected to further reshape the leadership structure of the Benue APC, which has been mired in factional disputes ahead of future political engagements.
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