The Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara State, has nullified the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Zamfara North Senatorial District, ordering the party to hold a fresh primary within 14 days. Justice Hassan Dikko delivered the judgment on Monday after carefully considering the written addresses and arguments presented by both parties. The ruling came following a legal challenge filed by Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, one of the APC senatorial aspirants who contested the validity of the original primary election.
The court found that the initial primary election did not comply with the party’s internal guidelines and procedures as stipulated in the APC’s constitution and relevant electoral regulations. As a result, Justice Dikko declared the election null and void, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to due process in party primaries. The judge directed the APC to conduct a new primary election strictly in line with its own rules and regulations within the stipulated 14-day timeframe.
Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, who had petitioned the court, welcomed the decision with optimism. He stated that the judgment restores public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary and reinforces the importance of fair and lawful political processes. “I appreciate the judgment. It’s a milestone towards our success. The judiciary has been vindicated; people still have confidence in it,” he said during his reaction to the verdict.
Shinkafi’s legal challenge focused on irregularities and procedural lapses during the earlier primary, which he argued undermined the credibility of the outcome. His case highlighted concerns about fairness, representation, and compliance with party protocols in the selection of candidates for national elections. The court’s intervention underscores the growing role of judicial oversight in ensuring accountability within Nigeria’s political parties.
This development comes at a critical time as the country prepares for upcoming general elections, where credible candidate selection is vital to democratic integrity. The ruling sets a precedent for other political parties to adhere strictly to their internal regulations when conducting primaries. It also sends a clear message that electoral malpractice, even within party structures, will be addressed through legal channels.
As the APC now faces the task of organizing a new primary within two weeks, stakeholders are watching closely to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the process. The outcome of this fresh primary could significantly influence the political landscape in Zamfara North and beyond. This case reaffirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic principles and may inspire similar challenges in other constituencies across the country.
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