The Court of Appeal, sitting in Sokoto Division, has reserved judgment in an appeal challenging the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Zamfara North Senatorial District. The decision came after lawyers for all parties adopted their written briefs of argument in court on Tuesday, clearing the way for a ruling.
Adoption of Written Briefs and Adjournment
Barrister Bello Galadi, counsel to the first respondent, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, disclosed this to journalists after the court session concluded. He confirmed that the proceedings centred on the formal adoption of written briefs by all parties involved.
According to Tribune, Galadi explained that the appellant's brief had been served on the respondents earlier, who filed their reply within the timeframe required by court rules. The appellants also served a reply on points of law, which paved the way for the adoption of written addresses.
Galadi stated that he adopted the respondent's brief on behalf of his client, after which the court adjourned the matter for judgment. He noted that no specific date has been set, and that parties will be notified once the court is ready to deliver its ruling.
Shinkafi Confident of Victory
Speaking separately, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi expressed confidence that the appeal court will uphold the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, which nullified the APC primary election conducted in the Zamfara North Senatorial District. He said his optimism rested on documentary evidence placed before the lower court, which he said proved the primary was conducted in breach of the Electoral Act and the APC's own guidelines for running primary elections.
The appeal arose after the Federal High Court struck down the Zamfara North APC senatorial primary, a decision the appellant has challenged at the appellate level. The Court of Appeal's reserved judgment will determine the final outcome of the dispute.
