The Federal High Court sitting in Gombe has nullified the May 16, 2026, All Progressives Congress primary election that produced Ali J.C. as the party’s candidate for the Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency.
The court ordered the APC to conduct a fresh primary within 30 days and barred Ali J.C., the incumbent lawmaker, from participating in the rerun.
The judgment was based on the court’s finding that Ali’s name was not contained in the APC membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission at least 21 days before the primary, as required by law.
The court held that although Ali had joined the APC, his membership did not meet the statutory requirement for participation in the primary because he joined the party only 16 days before the election.
The court consequently voided the primary and directed the APC to conduct a fresh exercise for the constituency without Ali J.C.
The ruling adds to a series of legal developments surrounding political party primaries in Gombe ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Leave a comment