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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Dr. Aliyu Bello, is currently embroiled in a legal tussle that could threaten his position, following a suit filed against him at the Federal High Court in Lafia.
The suit was instituted by the Gayam Electoral Ward Chairman, Ibrahim Illiyasu, alongside members of his ward executive, who earlier suspended Dr. Bello over alleged anti-party activities.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Isa Hassan-Nalaraba, told journalists after Tuesday’s court proceedings that his clients were in court to seek an order restraining the embattled chairman from further parading himself as a member and chairman of the APC in the state.
“We filed a motion on notice to restrain Dr. Aliyu Bello from acting in any official capacity as APC chairman, pending the determination of the substantive suit, following his suspension by his ward,” Nalaraba said.
However, during the court session presided over by Justice Mubolaji Olajuwon, the court declined to grant the ex parte motion restraining Dr. Bello from performing his functions as chairman.
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According to the presiding judge, the court lacked the jurisdiction to issue such an ex parte order at this stage of the matter. Justice Olajuwon cautioned both parties against taking any action that may prejudice the substantive suit, urging legal counsels to properly advise their clients.
“The court cannot entertain an ex parte application to restrain the respondent at this point,” Justice Olajuwon ruled. “Both parties must refrain from any steps that could interfere with the fair hearing of this matter.”
On his part, counsel to Dr. Aliyu Bello, Barrister Oti Ogu, argued that the prayers of the plaintiff were speculative and not tied directly to the suit before the court. He maintained that his client remains the authentic chairman of the party in Nasarawa State until otherwise determined by a competent court.
The legal battle follows weeks of internal wrangling within the APC in Lafia, with local party executives accusing Dr. Bello of actions deemed contrary to party interests, leading to his suspension at the ward level.
The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, September 25, 2025, for hearing of the substantive suit.
