The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has dismissed an appeal by Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura and upheld an earlier judgment ordering the All Progressives Congress (APC) to conduct a fresh senatorial primary election for Zamfara North.
The ruling upheld the decision of the Federal High Court in Gusau, which had 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 appeal court delivered its judgment in Sokoto on Tuesday.
He said the court dismissed the appeal after finding no merit in the arguments presented by the senator.
Galadi explained that Kaura had questioned the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the case. However, the appeal court affirmed that the lower court had the authority to handle the matter.
He added that the appellate court also rejected the senator’s argument that the Federal High Court had wrongly placed the burden of proof on him. According to the lawyer, the evidence presented was sufficient to establish that the APC failed to comply with its rules and guidelines.
Describing the judgment as an important moment 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, claiming that the APC did not conduct the senatorial primary election in Zamfara North and that the process was marred by irregularities.
The court ruled in his favour and directed the party to organise a fresh primary within 14 days. Dissatisfied with the decision, Kaura appealed against the judgment.
Following the latest ruling, Shinkafi described the outcome as a victory for democracy.
He also called on his supporters in Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji, Zurmi and Kaura Namoda local government areas to continue pushing for fair and adequate political representation.
Court upholds ruling against Sahabi, orders fresh Zamfara North APC primary