Court Dismisses Challenge to Garba-Maitafsir’s APC Candidacy

By Atlantic Reports

The Federal High Court in Sokoto has dismissed a suit challenging the emergence of Prof. Musa Garba-Maitafsir as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency in the 2027 election.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Mahmud Gama held that the plaintiff, Abdullahi Abubakar-Shagari, had not provided sufficient evidence to establish his claims.

Abubakar-Shagari, an aspirant in the party’s primary, alleged that Garba-Maitafsir had not resigned as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education before contesting.

He also alleged that Garba-Maitafsir was not a registered APC member at the relevant time.

Evidence Failed to Establish Allegations

Gama said documents tendered by the plaintiff contained contradictions and did not adequately substantiate the alleged irregularities.

The court consequently dismissed the challenge. The ruling leaves Garba-Maitafsir’s candidacy undisturbed by this suit.

The reported decision rests on the plaintiff’s failure to prove his allegations. It should not be read as a broader finding beyond the issues determined in the case.

Court Rejects Preliminary Objections

Before dismissing the suit on its merits, Gama rejected the defendants’ objection to the court’s jurisdiction, holding that it had authority to hear the case.

He also rejected the argument that the suit was statute-barred for not being filed within 14 days of the primary election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission was represented by counsel Yabagi Tijjani.

The supplied account did not explain the court’s reasoning on the filing deadline or indicate whether the plaintiff intended to appeal.

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