Court Nullifies APC Zamfara North Senate Primary, Orders Fresh Election

The Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara State, has nullified the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Zamfara North and directed the party to conduct a fresh election within 14 days.

Justice Hassan Dikko delivered the judgment on Monday, August 31, 2026, following the consideration of arguments and written submissions filed by the parties involved in the case.

The ruling came from a pre-election suit filed by APC senatorial aspirant Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, who challenged the process that produced Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.

With the court setting aside the disputed exercise, the APC is now required to organise another primary in accordance with its constitution, guidelines and applicable electoral requirements.

Shinkafi challenged the validity of the primary

Shinkafi had approached the court against the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura over the conduct of the Zamfara North senatorial primary.

The aspirant questioned whether the process was valid, alleging that the APC failed to follow provisions of its constitution, internal guidelines and relevant electoral rules.

The case remained before the Federal High Court in Gusau as the parties presented their final written addresses earlier in August. Justice Dikko later fixed August 31 for judgment.

In its ruling, the court reportedly held that no valid primary was conducted on May 19, the date linked to the disputed exercise. The judgment also addressed alleged irregularities, including claims of overvoting and failure to comply with the required rules.

APC given 14 days to conduct fresh primary

The court’s order means the APC must conduct a fresh senatorial primary for Zamfara North within 14 days of the judgment.

The decision reopens the party’s contest for the senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general election and gives eligible aspirants another opportunity to seek the APC nomination.

Reacting to the judgment, Shinkafi welcomed the decision and said it had reinforced his confidence in the judiciary.

“I appreciate the judgment. It’s a milestone towards our success. The judiciary has been vindicated; people still have confidence in it,” he said.