The Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, has declared Hon. Ayuba Dalyop Mandung as the valid winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Jos South State Constituency, nullifying the candidacy of Mancha John Vincent. Justice Dorcas Agishi delivered the ruling on Monday in suit number FHC/J/CS/43/2026, which Mandung filed against Vincent, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The court found that results from Giring Ward were unlawfully altered after being announced at the ward level, and it issued a perpetual injunction barring Vincent from being paraded as the party's candidate.
Court Finds Alteration of Ward Results
The case centered on the APC primary held on May 20, 2026. Mandung, represented by counsel Ritji Timothy Yilwatda, argued that he had secured the highest number of votes at the ward level before the results were allegedly changed in Vincent's favor. The court agreed, holding that results could not be lawfully changed once announced at the ward level, and that Mandung had been denied a fair hearing in the process.
Justice Agishi dismissed all preliminary objections raised by lawyers for the defendants before proceeding to rule on the substance of the case in Mandung's favor. The ruling effectively overturns the earlier declaration of Vincent as the APC candidate for the constituency.
Orders Issued Against APC, INEC, and Vincent
In its ruling, the court issued a perpetual injunction barring the defendants from parading Vincent as the duly nominated APC candidate. A mandatory order was also issued compelling the APC to forward Mandung's name to INEC as its candidate for the 2027 general election. The court further directed the defendants to act in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and the APC's internal guidelines on candidate nomination.
Additionally, the court awarded ₦500,000 each against Vincent, the APC, and INEC over their roles in the matter. This financial penalty underscores the court's stance on the unlawful alteration of election results.
Implications for the 2027 Election
The ruling has significant implications for the APC's preparations for the 2027 general election in Jos South. With Mandung now recognized as the rightful candidate, the party must adjust its candidate list and submit his name to INEC in accordance with the court's order. The decision also serves as a precedent for other primary disputes, reinforcing the legal principle that results announced at the ward level cannot be arbitrarily changed.
As the APC complies with the court's directives, the focus now shifts to the party's internal processes to ensure alignment with the court's ruling and the electoral laws. The court's judgment, as reported by Daily Trust, marks a decisive step in resolving the dispute over the Jos South State Constituency primary.
