Court reviews lawsuit over Zamfara APC senatorial primary exclusion

A Federal High Court in Gusau has started hearing a pre‑election lawsuit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Zamfara North Senatorial seat, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi. The suit challenges Shinkafi’s exclusion from the party’s primary election.

The case is before Justice Hassan Dikko and names the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively.

Shinkafi seeks to have the senatorial primary declared null and void, arguing that his removal from the process was unlawful.

When the matter was scheduled for discussion on Tuesday, the court could not proceed because questions about INEC’s role in the case remained unresolved.

The judge adjourned the case to June 25, directing INEC to appear and requiring all parties to exchange pleadings before the next hearing.

Bello Galadi, counsel for the plaintiff, expressed confidence in his client’s case and emphasized that the court would ensure justice is served.

Jaysey Sharka, counsel for Senator Kaura, confirmed that the matter is still at the hearing stage.