Former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Ali Isa JC, has appealed a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated his victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Gombe State.
Isa, who represents Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the judgment delivered by Justice Vera Ibrahim Eneabo on September 30, 2026.
The Federal High Court had nullified his primary election victory, ruling that he should have resigned from the House of Representatives before contesting for re-election. Justice Eneabo held that members of the National Assembly are political appointees and must leave their positions before participating in primaries to retain their seats.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Isa has taken the matter to the Court of Appeal, seeking to have the ruling set aside.
Meanwhile, some constituents from Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, working with a team of lawyers, have petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the judgment. The petitioners described the ruling as controversial, arguing that the judge wrongly classified elected members of the National Assembly as political appointees.
They warned that upholding the judgment could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s electoral system.
According to them, the interpretation could mean that all elected public office holders, including the President, state governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and state lawmakers, must resign before seeking another term.
The group argued that such a requirement would contradict the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
They have asked the NJC to examine the judgment and determine whether it raises concerns about judicial competence or compliance with the oath to uphold justice.
The Court of Appeal is expected to begin hearing Isa’s appeal in the coming days.
Ex-Minority Whip seeks to overturn judgment nullifying Gombe APC Primary