The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has dismissed an appeal by Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura and upheld an earlier judgment directing the All Progressives Congress, APC, to conduct a fresh senatorial primary election in Zamfara North.
The appellate court affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court in Gusau, which ruled in favour of Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi over the party’s primary election in the district.
Bello Galadi, counsel to Shinkafi, disclosed this to journalists shortly after the Court of Appeal delivered its judgment in Sokoto on Tuesday.
He said the court dismissed Kaura’s appeal after finding no merit in the arguments presented by the senator.
Galadi explained that Kaura had challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the case. However, the appellate court affirmed that the lower court had the authority to adjudicate on the matter.
According to the lawyer, the Court of Appeal also rejected the senator’s argument that the Federal High Court wrongly placed the burden of proof on him.
He maintained that the evidence presented was sufficient to establish that the APC failed to comply with its rules and guidelines during the primary election process.
Describing the ruling as a significant development for democracy and the rule of law, Galadi said political office holders must be held accountable under the law.
“This judgment has vindicated my client’s decision to pursue the case, and it has sent a strong message to those who consider themselves above the law,” he said.
Shinkafi had earlier approached the Federal High Court in Gusau, alleging that the APC failed to conduct the senatorial primary election in Zamfara North and that the process was characterised by irregularities.
The court ruled in his favour and ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary within 14 days.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, Kaura appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal has now upheld the lower court’s ruling.
Reacting to the latest development, Shinkafi described the outcome as a victory for democracy.
He urged his supporters across Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji, Zurmi and Kaura Namoda local government areas to remain committed to the pursuit of fair and adequate political representation.
