The Federal Higher Court, Zamfara State has today mentioned one of the top cases facing by APC in the state out of the ten pre-election matters before the court.
A major legal challenge has been mounted against the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Talata Mafara State House of Assembly seat, with no fewer than 276 aggrieved aspirants and party members asking the court to nullify the exercise and order fresh primaries.
The suit, which came up for mention before a competent court on Tuesday, was instituted against the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and candidates whose names were allegedly submitted to the electoral body following the disputed primary election.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Gambo Isa, told journalists after the proceedings that the first, second and third defendants had been duly served with court processes, while efforts were underway to serve the remaining defendants through substituted means.
According to him, the 4th to 26th defendants could not be personally served because they reside in different locations outside the constituency.
“We have applied for substituted service because the defendants are scattered across different addresses and cannot be conveniently reached through personal service,” he explained.
Isa expressed concern over the absence of INEC representatives in court, noting that the electoral body neither appeared nor communicated any reason for its non-attendance.
Kano first
The plaintiffs are challenging the validity of the APC primaries, alleging that the process failed to comply with the principles of internal democracy and equal participation guaranteed under the party’s constitution.
“Our principal prayer before the court is the nullification of the entire primary election process and an order directing the conduct of fresh primaries where all aspirants will be given a fair and equal opportunity to participate,” the lawyer stated.
He added that the suit seeks to protect the democratic rights of party members and ensure transparency in the selection of candidates for elective offices.
Following submissions by counsel, the court adjourned the matter to June 29, 2026, for further hearing.
Political observers say the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the APC’s preparations ahead of forthcoming elections in Zamfara State.