The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto has dismissed an appeal filed by Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura challenging the judgment of the Federal High Court, Gusau, over the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Zamfara North Senatorial District.
The appellate court upheld the Federal High Court’s decision in favour of Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi and ordered a fresh primary election in the district.
Counsel to the first respondent, Bello Galadi, disclosed this while speaking with journalists shortly after the judgment in Sokoto on Tuesday, saying the court resolved all issues raised by the appellant and dismissed the appeal for lack of merit.
Galadi said Sahabi Ya’u Kaura had challenged the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case. Still, the Court of Appeal upheld the lower court’s authority to hear and determine the matter.
He said the court also rejected the argument that the lower court improperly shifted the burden of proof to the appellant, noting that sufficient evidence had established non-compliance with the APC’s rules and guidelines.
The counsel described the judgment as a significant victory for democracy and the rule of law, stressing that everyone, regardless of position, must be subject to 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.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Dr Shinkafi had approached the Federal High Court, Gusau, alleging that the APC primary election for Zamfara North was not held and that there were irregularities.
The Federal High Court had ruled in his favour and ordered a fresh primary within 14 days, a decision Senator Sahabi Ya’u challenged at the Court of Appeal.
Meanwhile, Dr Shinkafi has described the ruling as a victory for democracy.
He urged his supporters across the Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji, Zurmi, and Kaura Namoda local government areas to continue advocating for equitable political representation.
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