From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State High Court sitting in Gboko has struck out a suit filed by Senator Emmanuel Jev and 16 others challenging the outcome of the July 27 ward congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in six local government areas.
The plaintiffs, including Terseer Tsumba, Terngu Tsegba, David Tsevende, Clement Adzuanogo, had dragged the PDP, its National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, and one other, to court, prayed it to set aside the result of the ward congresses and order the defendants to conduct fresh congresses in Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Ushongo, Kwande and Konshisha Local Government Areas.
They also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from conducting local government and state congresses in Benue State.
However, counsel to the PDP, Ganiyu Ajape filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
Ajape also filed a response to the substantive suit, stating that the party held ward congresses in the 23 local government areas of Benue State on July 27.
Delivering judgement, Justice Josephine Ayua agreed with the preliminary objection, holding that matters bordering on the conduct of ward congresses are purely an internal affair of a political party and the court cannot dabble into it and accordingly struck out the suit for want of jurisdiction.
Reacting to the judgement, Comrade Dan Nyikwagh, an aspirant for the secretary of the PDP in Benue, described it as sound and a victory for democracy.
He commended party members in the six local government areas for their patience while the matter was in court.
