Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the suit filed by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje challenging his dismissal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Kashere ward executive committee. Senator Goje was suspended and subsequently dismissed in April this year for his refusal to participate in party activities at all levels.
The former governor of Gombe was suspended due to his failure to attend the APC presidential campaigns and other local campaign events. Additionally, he was accused of working against the party’s candidates at various levels and displaying contempt and disloyalty towards the party leadership and constituted authority in Gombe State.
Senator Goje’s dismissal followed the findings of an investigative committee set up by the APC Kashere ward executive committee, which found him guilty of all charges. The committee recommended his immediate suspension and expulsion from the party, a decision that was ratified by the Kashere Ward exco, the Gombe State executive committee, and the executive committees of all the 11 LGA chapters in Gombe State.
In response to his suspension and expulsion, Senator Goje approached the court to challenge the decision of the party. However, Justice Egwuatu dismissed the suit, stating that Goje’s claim of lack of fair hearing lacked merit. The court emphasized that Goje had been given sufficient time to defend himself before the committee. It noted that Goje was aware of the allegations against him through newspaper publications that provided him with the charges and an opportunity to defend himself at a specific date, time, and venue. Instead of attending the committee’s hearing to defend himself, Goje chose to stay away.
The court concluded that Senator Goje’s suit lacked merit and subsequently dismissed the case. The Gombe State APC executive committee praised the judgment, considering it a validation of party supremacy and a vote of confidence in party discipline. The committee urged Senator Goje to accept defeat and face the consequences of his actions, emphasizing the party’s commitment to discipline all stakeholders who undermined the party during the 2023 elections.
The APC in Gombe State expressed unwavering confidence in Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership and his determination to build a strong, united, and vibrant APC in Gombe State and beyond.
