Appeal Court Upholds Nullification of Zamfara North APC Primary, Orders Fresh Election

The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto has dismissed an appeal filed by Senator Sahabi Ya'u Kaura and upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, Gusau, which nullified the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial primary for Zamfara North Senatorial District.

In its judgment delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court resolved all issues in favour of Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, Wamban Shinkafi, an APC senatorial aspirant in the district, and ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary.

Counsel to Dr Shinkafi,  Bello Galadi, disclosed the development to journalists shortly after the judgment. He said the Court of Appeal found the appeal lacking in merit and affirmed the decision of the lower court. He said, "The appellate court dismissed the appeal for lack of merit. All the issues raised by the appellant were resolved against him."

Senator Kaura had challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Gusau to entertain the suit filed by Dr Shinkafi, arguing that the court lacked the powers to interfere in the internal affairs of the party. The Court of Appeal, however, rejected the argument and upheld the lower court's jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter.

The court also dismissed the contention that the trial judge wrongly shifted the burden of proof to the appellant.
According to Galadi, the appellate court held that sufficient evidence was adduced to establish non-compliance with the APC constitution and electoral guidelines during the disputed primary.

Describing the judgment as a victory for democracy, Galadi said the ruling has reinforced the principle of rule of law.
He said, "This judgment has vindicated my client's decision to pursue the case to the end. It also sends a strong message to those who consider themselves above the law that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man."

It would be recalled that Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi had approached the Federal High Court, Gusau, shortly after the APC senatorial primary, alleging that no credible primary was held in Zamfara North and that the exercise was marred by irregularities.

In its judgment, the Federal High Court agreed with him and ordered the APC to conduct a fresh primary within 14 days.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Senator Sahabi Ya'u Kaura approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the verdict.
With the latest ruling, the party is now expected to organise a new primary election for the Zamfara North ticket. Reacting to the judgment, Dr Shinkafi described the verdict as a triumph for democracy.

He said, "The judiciary has once again proven that it is the hope of the common man. We will respect the court's decision and work with the party to ensure a free, fair and transparent primary."

He described the judgment as a victory for democracy and the judiciary and called on his supporters across Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji, Zurmi and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas to remain calm and continue mobilisation for equitable representation.

Party stakeholders in Zamfara North are now awaiting directives from the APC National Working Committee on the date for the fresh primary.