The Legal Adviser of the Taraba State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), , K.M. Chiroma, has declared the purported vote of no confidence in the state party chairman, Amb. Charles Tiuda, and the subsequent appointment of Richard Dauda Achiaregе as interim chairman unconstitutional, and of no legal effect.
Chiroma, in a statement issued on Friday, said the action allegedly taken by some members of the State Executive/Working Committee did not comply with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
He said the development touched on the foundation of the party’s existence and required a clear statement of the legal position to protect the integrity and unity of the organisation.
According to him, the NDC constitution is supreme and binding on all members and organs of the party, adding that any rule or action inconsistent with its provisions is null and void.
Chiroma specifically cited Articles 18 and 20 of the party constitution, which, he said, provide for disciplinary procedures, infractions and sanctions against erring officers and members.
He maintained that the constitution also identifies the appropriate organ empowered to appoint or ratify an acting or interim state chairman, stressing that such authority was not vested in the members of the State Executive/Working Committee who purportedly removed Tiuda.
He consequently described the purported vote of no confidence and appointment of Achiaregе as interim chairman as “grossly unconstitutional” and a total nullity.
“The actions taken by the said members of the State Executive/Working Committee did not follow the procedure laid down in our party constitution,” he said.
Chiroma added that the legal effect of the purported resolution was therefore “void and of no effect whatsoever.”
The legal adviser urged party members and leaders to maintain the status quo, insisting that Tiuda remains the legitimate state chairman until he is removed in accordance with the provisions of the party constitution.
He also advised members with genuine grievances to channel them through the appropriate constitutional mechanisms, noting that Article 23 provides structures for dispute resolution, while Articles 18 and 20 provide avenues for disciplinary proceedings.
Chiroma further directed Achiaregе to desist from parading himself as the interim chairman of the party and called for the removal of social media posts and reports relating to the purported leadership change.
He appealed to party leaders and members to avoid actions and statements capable of deepening divisions within the party.
According to him, the current dispute should not be viewed as a contest between individuals but as an issue concerning the sanctity of party institutions, internal democracy, due process and the rule of law.
He urged members to remain united and focused on the party’s political objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If we dare to sacrifice constitutionalism for expediency today, no office holder, organisation or institution will be safe tomorrow,” Chiroma warned.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy and constitutionalism, urging all stakeholders to resolve their differences within the framework of the NDC constitution.
It would be recalled that the announcement of the alleged removal of the state chairman of the party was made on Thursday by some of the party executives.
Although no reasons were made public by those who announced his removal, DAILY POST gathered that his alleged inability to carry all members of the party along necessitated the action.
NDC Taraba crisis deepens as legal adviser rejects chairman’s removal