Court Nullifies APC Nasarawa West Senatorial Primaries

Nathaniel Gbaoron, Lafia 

A Federal High Court in Lafia, has voided the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Nasarawa West Senatorial District where Arc. Shehu Tukur emerged as senatorial candidate of the party.

MoneyCentral reports that Barr. Labaran Magaji, who contested along side Arc.Tukur, had earlier dragged APC and the winner to court, alleging some discrepancies in the conduct of the election to favour Arc.Tukur.

Delivering judgement on Wednesday, Justice Nehezina Afolabi, who nullified the election, ordered APC to conduct a fresh election within the next 14 days.

The judge, directed the party to use the authentic delegates’ list, certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reacting to the judgement, counsel to the plaintiff, Barr. Ghali Ahmed, expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the judgement.

He said “my Lord has considered all the issues raised by both the plaintiff and the defendant and came up with a decision which is very fair to both parties.

“The court said they have jurisdiction to entertain the truth before moving to substantive truth.

“Also, the court considered that having been disenfranchised, the election is null and void because the original delegates were not allowed to vote.”

He, said that his client will consider the judgement and see the next line of action.

On his part, counsel to the first defendant (Shehu Tukur) Dr Mubarak Adekilekun, said the court has carried out its responsibility of interpreting the law, but however, noted that both parties have the right to appeal the judgement.

“We have the court of appeal, upper courts of law, therefore, either of the parties are free to appeal the judgement.

“We will consult with our client on the way forward,” he said.

On his part, the plaintiff, Barr Magaji described the judgement as victory for democracy and for the people of the constituency and state at large.

“I am one of the happiest persons today because the judgement went on the side of the common people. I am elated that justice is gradually taking the front seat.

“When we were laying claims that there were unknown delegates, people thought that we were wasting our time but today, through the judicial pronouncement, the unknown delegates have been exposed,” he said.

He called on his supporters to remain calm and work for the success of the party in 2023.