The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to remove the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala -Buni and his deputy, Idi Gubana from office, and install Umar Iliya of the PDP as the state governor.
The suit was predicated upon the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court in Eyitayo Jegede and the Independent National Electoral Commission, on July 28, 2021, wherein a descending decision, three Justices of the apex court, questioned the validity of the Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, and declared it illegal, by allowing a sitting governor to hold the position of party National Chairman, in clear breach of section 183 of the 1999 constitution.
While four other justices affirmed the election of Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, as Governor of Ondo State.
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The PDP in an originating summons filed by its counsel, Emeka Etiaba, urged the court for an order, directing the Chief Judge in Yobe State or any other relevant judge in his absence, to immediately swear in Umar Iliya, and Daguma Baba Abba- Aji, as governor and deputy governor of the state, as the offices have become vacant.
It also wants a declaration, that the action of Mai Mala Buni, as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC, while he remains the governor of the state, is null and void.
It further urged the court to declare that, having regard to the clear provisions of section 187 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, and the law, Idi Barde Gubana of the All Progressive Congress, cannot lawfully occupy the office of the governor, or deputy of Yobe State.
Joined in the suit are, Mai Mala Buni, Idi Barde Gubana, the All Progressives Congress, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
