Court can’t determine membership of political party, Kano Tribunal rules

The Kano State Governorship election tribunal has held that a court cannot determine membership of political party.

The court made this known while ruling in favour of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the issue of sponsorship and membership of Gov Kabir Yusuf is a party internal affair.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) had challenged the legitimacy of the candidature of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

APC and Nasir Gawuna, its governorship candidate, had petitioned the tribunal that Abba is not a full member of the New Nigerian People Party (NNPP), and he was not in its register when it nominated him, so he was not fit to contest.

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The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal had similarly dismissed APC petition to challenge Peter Obi’s membership of the Labour Party (LP).

While delivering judgment, the court held that an individual’s membership of a political party is an internal matter.

The decision weakened APC’s claim regarding Obi’s political affiliation and membership status of the LP.

The ruling reinforced the principle that political parties have the authority to manage their internal affairs, including matters related to party membership.