A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC and aspirant for Zamfara North Senatorial District, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has strongly condemned the unlawful act of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on publishing the name of Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya'u as the party's candidate for Zamfara North in contrary to the judgment of the Federal High Court Gusau, on 31st August 2026.
Shinkafi stated this in a statement made available to Journalists on Saturday in Gusau, maintaining that, the court has nullified the primary election held on 19th May and ordered the INEC and APC Zamfara state chapter to conduct a fresh primary election within 14 days of the judgement was delivered.
He demanded immediate withdrawal of Sahabi Alhaji Ya'u as APC candidate for Zamfara North Senitorial District.
The court also ordered INEC to accept the outcome of the fresh primary election. The commission was duly served the certified true copy of the court order for compliance.
It is inappropriate, unfair, unjust, justice juxtaposed and an assault on the nation's emerging democracy for INEC to flagrantly violate a clear order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
The publication of any candidate's name prior to a fresh primary election ordered by the court, or determination of the matter at the appellate court undermines the Judiciary as the temple of justice and the last hope of all aggrieved citizens.
As the electoral umpire, INEC should safeguard the credibility and integrity of the electoral process including the political parties' nomination processes.
Disobeying a court order in a matter which the commission was a party to and fully represented will erode public confidence in the electoral system.
It could be recalled that the Supreme Court had nullified the All Progressives Congress' primaries in previous general elections and awarded victory to the political party that came second in the polls including governorship elections.
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