Appeal Court Nullifies Zamfara North APC Senatorial Primary

The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has overturned the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Zamfara North Senatorial District due to significant non-compliance with party guidelines and the Electoral Act. The ruling was delivered by Justice Tunde Oyebamiji Awotoye, who supported the previous decision of the Federal High Court in Gusau that had annulled the primary election in August 2026.

Awotoye criticized the APC for hastily declaring Senator Sahabi Ya'u the winner despite clear breaches of their own constitution and the Electoral Act. The court found that respondent Hon. Abdullahi Shinkafi had proven his case "beyond reasonable doubt" and raised concerns about the inflated vote count for Ya'u, which suggested over-voting and irregularities, making the entire election invalid and null.

The appellate court addressed seven issues in the appeal against Ya'u and dismissed his preliminary objection about lack of jurisdiction, as the respondent had used all internal party dispute resolution mechanisms before seeking court intervention. The court also rejected the argument of statute bar, stating that the lawsuit was filed within the legal time frame and was assessed on its merits.

Respondent's counsel, Bello Galadi, hailed the judgment as a triumph for the rule of law and democracy, stating it would deter political parties and politicians from disregarding internal democracy and their own rules. Hon. Shinkafi expressed gratitude to the judiciary for protecting the common man's rights, calling the ruling a victory against marginalization and prolonged dominance, highlighting that Ya'u has held the Senate seat for 16 consecutive years while Kaura Namoda dominated the position since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999.