Court quashes Nasarawa west senatorial election over controversial primary

From Daniel Abel, Lafia

The Federal High Court in Lafia, has quashed the All Progressive Congress(APC) primary election for Nasarawa West Senatorial district over controversal lists of candidates.

Presiding Justice Afolabi Nehizena, while delivering the judgment nullified the election over manipulation of the delegates list used for the election as he directed APC to hold a rerun election within two weeks.

The Judge also directed that the party should use the authentic delegates list.

Also ruling on the preliminary objection filed by the defendants, the judge said the court has jurisdiction to hear the case.

Reacting to the judgment, Counsel to the plaintiff, Barr Ghali Ahmed, lauded the judge for considering the matter on judgment.

He said that one of his prayers for the client is for the judgment to annul the election and declare him the winner, but the court thought otherwise.

On his part, counsel to the defendant (Shehu Tukur, the defendant) , Dr. Mubarak Adekilekun, said the court has carried out the decision by interpreting the law.

He said that there are different layers of court and the case could reach the Supreme Court, as such, he would equally consult his client and they would decide on the next line of action.

The plaintiff Barr. Magaji described the judgment as a victory for democracy and a victory for the people of the constituency.

”I am happiest person today because the judgment went on the side of the commoner, justices gradually is coming to take the front seat”.

Magaji said he would consult his supporters and political associates within the next 24 hours to decide on the next line of action.

He, therefore, urged his supporters to remain calm and work towards delivering all candidates of their party in the 2023 general elections.

It would be recalled that an aspirant during the APC senatorial primaries, Mr. Labaran Magaji, had taken the party and Arc. Shehu Tukur, the purported. winner of the election to court alleging irregularities during the primary.