The Federal High Court No. 2, sitting in Gombe and presided over by Justice Vera Ibrahim, has nullified the emergence of Bashir Gaddafi as the African Democratic Congress candidate for Akko Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The court on Friday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh ADC primary election for the constituency within 21 days and directed that Gaddafi’s certificate of return be withdrawn with immediate effect.
The judgment followed a suit instituted by Adamu Kashere against Gaddafi, the ADC and INEC, challenging the validity of Gaddafi’s emergence as the party’s candidate.
The plaintiff alleged that “no primary election was conducted across the wards in Akko Federal Constituency to produce the ADC candidate.”
Kashere also challenged Gaddafi’s eligibility, alleging that “he participated in the political process while still serving as a public servant and receiving monthly salaries without officially disengaging from his employment.”
However, the court held that the plaintiff failed to establish the allegation that Gaddafi was receiving salaries while participating in the political process.
The court also acknowledged that Gaddafi was a member of the ADC and was eligible to contest the party’s primary election.
During the proceedings, the plaintiff reportedly attempted to tender relevant documents in support of his claims, but the documents were not admitted.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Ibrahim Nasarawa, and counsel to the defendants, Benjamin Sati, said “We will consult our respective clients before deciding on the next steps.”
The lawyers indicated that further decisions would depend on consultations with their clients.
Also reacting, a supporter of the plaintiff, Ibrahim Lawanti, welcomed the judgment and expressed appreciation for the court’s decision.
Another supporter of the plaintiff said the camp would consider its options, including whether to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court.
The ruling comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the fresh primary expected to determine the ADC candidate for Akko Federal Constituency.
