The Federal High Court in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, has adjourned a suit seeking to nullify the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primary election in the state to July 1, 2026, for definite hearing. The adjournment was granted on Monday by Justice Mashkur Salisu after the defendants allegedly failed to file and serve their statements of defence within the required timeframe.
Suit Details and Allegations
The suit was filed by APC chairmanship aspirant Abdulhadi Lau, who is challenging the conduct and outcome of the party's primary election in Taraba. Lau, through his legal team, is asking the court to declare the primary election null and void. He alleges that he was unlawfully excluded from participating in the exercise despite fulfilling all requirements set by the party. According to the claimant, he purchased the nomination forms, completed all necessary procedures, and was qualified to contest. However, he claims he was denied the opportunity to participate without any justifiable reason.
Legal Arguments
The plaintiff argues that the party's actions violated his constitutional rights and the provisions governing internal party democracy. He urges the court to intervene and ensure justice is served. Speaking on the matter, Lau maintained that court intervention is necessary to safeguard democratic principles within political parties and prevent what he describes as a dangerous precedent that could undermine the nation's democratic process. He appealed to the judiciary to act decisively to protect the integrity of the electoral system, stressing that excluding qualified aspirants from party primaries poses a threat to democratic governance.
Court Proceedings
At the resumed hearing, counsel informed the court that the defendants had yet to file their statements of defence. Consequently, Justice Salisu adjourned the case to July 1, 2026, for definite hearing. The court is expected to hear arguments from all parties on the next adjourned date as the legal battle over the APC chairmanship primary election continues.
