From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto has adjourned the suit challenging the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency to July 16, 2026, after granting parties additional time to file and respond to court processes.
The presiding judge, Justice Mahmud Ahmad-Gama, fixed the new hearing date on Monday following applications by the defence for an extension of time.
The suit was filed by an aggrieved APC aspirant, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Shagari, who is contesting the declaration of Prof. Musa Maitafsir as the winner of the party’s primary election.
Through his counsel, Yahaya Gwazawa, Umar-Shagari alleged that Maitafsir failed to resign from his federal government appointment before contesting the primary, contrary to the law.
He also claimed that the election was fraught with irregularities.
Although he did not oppose the applications for an extension of time filed by the defence, Gwazawa told the court that the additional time would also enable the plaintiff to prepare witnesses for the hearing in view of the time-sensitive nature of the matter.
The applications were moved by counsel to Maitafsir, Ms. Abigail Ochidi, and counsel to the APC, Mr. Bashir Jodi.
At the proceedings, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was absent despite having been duly served with the court processes, according to counsel for the plaintiff.
Justice Ahmad-Gama directed all parties to file their responses within five days and adjourned the matter to July 16, 2026, for substantive hearing.