A Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara State, has fixed July 28, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses in a legal challenge against the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Zamfara North. The case was initiated by Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a senatorial aspirant who alleges that the primary election was marred by irregularities.
Parties in the Suit
The defendants in the suit include the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the current senator representing Zamfara North, Senator Sahabi Ya'u. Dr. Shinkafi contends that the primary election that produced Senator Ya'u as the APC candidate was not conducted in accordance with the party's guidelines and electoral laws.
Court Proceedings and Applications Granted
During the hearing on Tuesday, counsel for the plaintiff, Barrister Bello Galadi, informed the court that four applications were pending before it. Presiding Judge Justice Hassan Dikko granted three of these applications. The granted applications included an extension of time for the plaintiff to reply to a counter-affidavit filed by INEC (the second defendant), an extension of time to respond to a counter-affidavit filed by Senator Sahabi Ya'u (the third defendant), and an extension of time to reply to a preliminary hearing notice filed by the third respondent.
"These applications include an extension of time to reply to the counter affidavit filed by the second defendant, which is INEC, the third defendant, Senator Sahabi Ya'u and an application also for the extension of time to reply against the preliminary hearing filed by the third respondent, which all our three applications were granted," Barrister Galadi stated.
Next Steps and Implications
Following the ruling, Justice Dikko adjourned the proceedings to July 28, 2026, when all parties are expected to adopt their final written addresses. This step typically precedes a court's delivery of judgment in electoral and civil matters. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the APC's representation in Zamfara North, as it challenges the legitimacy of the party's candidate for the senatorial seat.
