Federal High Court Fixes August 31 Judgment in Zamfara APC Senatorial Primary Dispute

By Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

The Federal High Court in Gusau has fixed August 31, 2026, to deliver judgment in the suit challenging the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Zamfara North Senatorial District.

The case was instituted by Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, an aspirant in the APC senatorial primary, against Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The matter is being presided over by Justice Hussaini Dikko.

At Friday’s proceedings, the court adopted the final written addresses of all parties, in line with an earlier directive issued at the previous sitting. The plaintiff and the three defendants formally adopted their respective submissions before the court.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Bello Galadi, confirmed that the court had reserved judgment for August 31.

> “All parties adopted their final written addresses as directed by the court during the last sitting. The court has fixed August 31 for judgment, and we are confident that the decision will favour our client because we presented substantial evidence in support of our claims,” Galadi said.

Shinkafi is challenging the outcome of the APC primary election for the Zamfara North Senatorial District, arguing that the party’s declared result, which was subsequently recognised by INEC, did not comply with the applicable legal requirements.

He is also contesting the eligibility of Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura, who emerged as the APC’s candidate for the senatorial district.

The court’s judgment is expected to determine the legal status of the APC’s candidate ahead of the forthcoming electoral process.

Keywords: Zamfara APC primaries, Federal High Court Gusau, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura, APC senatorial primary, INEC, Zamfara North Senatorial District, August 31 judgment.