By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on Monday removed Hon. Enemona Anyebe as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State and declared Hon. Mohammed Sani Gambo as the duly elected and authentic chairman.
Delivering judgment in suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/39/2024, Justice Isah A. Danshan ruled that Hon. Gambo is the legitimate chairman of the Kogi PDP, having secured the majority of valid votes during the party’s congress held on August 31, 2024.
Justice Danshan ordered the immediate swearing-in of Hon. Gambo and directed the national leadership of the PDP and relevant security agencies to recognize and enforce the court’s decision.
The court held that Enemona Anyebe, who was earlier barred from contesting in the state congress, was not eligible to participate in the election. The judgment also dismissed the joinder suit filed by Tony Amego, who had sought recognition based on micro-zoning considerations, describing his claim as “lacking merit and undemocratic.”
According to the certified results from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Gambo polled the majority of valid votes in line with the PDP’s established zoning arrangement.
Reacting to the judgment, Hon. Mohammed Sani Gambo described the court’s decision as a “no victor, no vanquished” verdict, emphasizing that it represents a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
“This judgment is not about personal victory but about upholding justice and the supremacy of our party’s constitution,” he said. “It reaffirms that the PDP remains a party of law, order, and fairness.”
Following the court ruling, Hon. Gambo was officially sworn in at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday at the PDP Secretariat opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters in Lokoja.
During his inauguration, he pledged to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging his former rivals to work together for the party’s unity and success.
“Our focus now is to rebuild the PDP, reclaim Lugard House, and return to national leadership in 2027,” Gambo declared. “We are committed to restoring the party’s integrity and ensuring it remains the true voice of Nigerians.”
He added that his emergence was a testament to his faith in democracy and the belief that “justice, when pursued through the right channel, always prevails.”
