Court of Appeal upholds Federal High Court judgment nullifying disputed senatorial primary; Shinkafi hails ruling as victory for democracy and rule of law.

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

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

Counsel to Dr. Shinkafi, Barrister. Bello Galadi, disclosed this to journalists shortly after the judgment. He said the Court of Appeal found no merit in Senator Kaura’s appeal and affirmed the authority of the Federal High Court to entertain the matter.

“The appellate court dismissed the appeal for lack of merit,” Galadi said. “All the issues raised by the appellant were resolved against him.”

Court Upholds Lower Court’s Jurisdiction

Senator Kaura had challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court Gusau to hear Dr. Shinkafi’s suit, arguing that the lower court lacked powers to intervene in the party’s internal affairs.

However, the Court of Appeal rejected the argument and upheld the lower court’s authority to hear and determine the case.

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

Victory for Democracy and Rule of Law

Describing the judgment as a major win for democracy, Galadi said the ruling reinforces the principle that no one is above the law.

“This judgment has vindicated my client’s decision to pursue the case to the end,” he said. “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.”

Background to the Case

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

In its judgment, the Federal High Court agreed with him and ordered the APC to conduct a fresh primary election within 14 days. Dissatisfied, Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura proceeded to the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision.

With the latest ruling, the coast is now clear for the party to organize a new primary for the Zamfara North ticket.

Shinkafi Hails Judgment

Reacting to the verdict, Dr. Shinkafi described the judgment as “a victory for democracy and the judiciary.”

He called on his supporters across Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji, Zurmi and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas to remain calm and continue to mobilize for what he termed “equitable political representation” for the zone.

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

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