A Benue State High Court sitting in Gboko has struck out a suit filed by Senator Emmanuel Orker Jev and 16 others, challenging the outcome of the July 27, 2024, ward congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in six local government areas of Benue State.
The court, presided over by Justice Josephine Ayua, agreed with the preliminary objection filed by the PDP’s counsel, Ganiyu Ajape, that the issues for determination border on the internal affairs of the PDP. The court held that matters concerning the conduct of ward congresses are purely an internal affair of a political party and the court cannot intervene.
The plaintiffs had prayed for the court to set aside the result of the ward congresses and order the defendants to conduct fresh ward congresses in the affected local government areas. However, the court’s judgment has paved the way for the PDP to proceed with its local government congresses in the six affected areas.
Reacting to the judgment, Comrade Dan Nyikwagh, an aspirant for the State Secretary of the PDP in Benue State, described the judgment as sound and a victory for democracy. He commended party members from the six local governments for their patience while the matter was in court.
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