The Federal High Court in Jalingo, Taraba State, has adjourned until July 1, 2026, the hearing of a legal challenge seeking to nullify the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primary election in the state. Justice Mashkur Salisu made the order on Monday after the defendants failed to file and serve their statements of defence. The case, brought by APC aspirant Abdulhadi Lau, centers on allegations that he was unlawfully excluded from the primary election despite meeting all eligibility criteria and purchasing the party’s nomination forms.
Lau claims he completed every procedural requirement set by the party to participate in the primary election but was barred from taking part without any official explanation. He argues that his exclusion constitutes a violation of his constitutional rights and undermines the principles of internal democracy within the APC. The suit seeks the court’s intervention to invalidate the primary election results and restore fairness in the party’s leadership selection process.
Through his legal team, Lau emphasized the importance of judicial oversight in safeguarding democratic processes within political parties. He warned that allowing such exclusions to go unchallenged could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democratic framework. Lau urged the court to uphold justice and ensure that qualified candidates are not arbitrarily denied their right to contest party primaries.
The court proceedings on Monday revealed that the defendants, including party officials, had not submitted their defence documents as required by law. This failure led Justice Salisu to adjourn the matter to allow the parties sufficient time to prepare their legal arguments. The adjournment ensures that all sides will have the opportunity to present their cases fully before a final ruling is made.
The APC chairmanship primary election in Taraba State has become a focal point of legal and political scrutiny, with critics questioning the transparency and fairness of the party’s internal processes. The outcome of this case could influence how political parties conduct their primaries in the future, particularly in ensuring inclusivity and adherence to established rules.
As the legal battle continues, stakeholders are closely watching the court’s handling of the matter. The July 1, 2026, hearing will be a critical moment for both the APC and the broader Nigerian political landscape, as it may set a precedent for how party primaries are challenged and resolved in the courts. The judiciary’s role in upholding democratic principles within political parties remains under the spotlight.
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