In what observers see as signpost for tough times ahead for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a Federal High Court in Yola on Friday nullified the emergence of Senator Aishatu Binani, it’s only governorship candidate in Adamawa State.
Justice Abdulaaziz Anka ruled on a case filed by Nuhu Ribadu, the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Anka said the APC had no candidate for the 2023 governorship election in the state.
The court, however, declared that both petitioner and defendants are free to appeal the ruling.
He also ordered Binani, who was earlier declared winner of the election to stop parading herself as the party’s candidate for the 2023 governorship election.
The court held that the APC governorship primary election held on May 26, 2022 was marred witn irregularities such as over voting, and non-compliance with the 2022 Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
The defence counsel, Sam Tomi, said he would study and appeal the judgment.
“Our responsibility now is to study the judgment and take a necessary step but one thing I can assure you is that we will appeal the judgment,” he said.
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Also, Counsel to the APC, Sule Abdul, said the party would study the judgment holistically to decide on the next line of action.
He said that they have the right to appeal which is a constitutional matter.
Binani had scored 430 votes to defeat her closest opponent, Ribadu, who polled 288 votes in the election.