The Federal High Court 2 in Gombe has nullified the emergence of Bashir Abdullahi Gaddafi as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Akko Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The court, presided over by Justice Vera E. Ibrahim, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh primary election for the constituency within 21 days.
It also ordered the immediate withdrawal of Gaddafi’s certificate of return.
The ruling followed a suit instituted by Adamu Hassan Kashere, who challenged the process through which Gaddafi emerged as the ADC candidate for the House of Representatives seat.
Kashere alleged that the party failed to conduct primary elections across the wards in Akko Federal Constituency before declaring Gaddafi its candidate.
He also questioned Gaddafi’s eligibility, claiming that he was a public servant who participated in the party’s primary without formally resigning from his employment.
However, in its judgment, the court held that the plaintiff failed to establish the allegation that Gaddafi continued to receive salaries while participating in the primary election.
The court also acknowledged that Gaddafi was a registered member of the ADC and was qualified to participate in the party’s primary.
During the proceedings, the plaintiff sought to tender documents to support his claims, but disagreements arose over the admissibility of the relevant documents.
Kashere had filed the suit against Gaddafi, the ADC and INEC, seeking to challenge the validity of the process that produced the candidate for the Akko federal constituency.
Following the judgment, counsel to the plaintiff, Ibrahim Aliyu Nasarawa, and counsel to the defendants, Benjamin Sati, said they would consult their respective clients before determining their next course of action.
