A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, the Ondo APC Arise Movement, has faulted the court order reportedly affecting the party's congress in the state.
The group argued that matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties are largely beyond the jurisdiction of the courts under the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement issued in Akure, the state capital, on Wednesday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Yemi Patrick Adetoyinbo, and Secretary, Odele Olatubosun, the group urged political actors to respect statutory provisions guiding the conduct of party affairs.
According to the statement, all stakeholders must operate within the ambit of the law to avoid actions capable of undermining party stability.
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The group cited Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act which it said provides that no court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party except under circumstances clearly outlined in the law.
It maintained that the provision was intended to prevent undue judicial interference in the internal processes of political parties, including congresses and other administrative matters.
The group further noted that where such suits are filed contrary to the provision, courts are not expected to grant interim or interlocutory injunctions.
Rather, it said the law requires the court to suspend its ruling until the stage of final judgment while granting accelerated hearing on the matter.
The group said, "Section 83 (6) Where such action is brought in negation of this provision:- (a) No interim or interlocutory injunction shall be entertained by the court, but the Court shall suspend its ruling and deliver it at the stage of final judgement and shall give accelerated hearing to the matter.
"It is to be noted that Section 83(3) of the Act Provides: The Commission may direct its enquiry under Subsection (2) to the Chairman or Secretary of the Political Party at the National, State, Local Government or Area Council or Ward level, as the case may be"
The group raised concerns over the implications of the court order questioning the motive behind the legal action and warned against moves capable of destabilising the ruling party in the state.
However, the group maintained that party stakeholders would continue to defend the unity and legal integrity of the party's processes.
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