From Sidi Ibrahim Kaulahi, in Gusau
The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto has legally sent away an appeal filed by Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura challenging the judgment of the Federal High Court Gusau over the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Zamfara North Senatorial District.
The Appeal court upheld the judgment passed by the Federal High Court in favour of Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, APC senatorial aspirant Zamfara north, and ordered for a primary election in the area.
The disclosure was made by the Counsel to the first respondent, Bello Galadi, while speaking with journalist after the judgment, saying that, the appellate court resolved all the issues raised by the appellant and dismissed the appeal for lack of merit.
Mr Galadi explained that Sahabi Yau Kaura had earlier challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to entertain the case, but the Court of Appeal upheld the lower court’s authority to hear and determine the matter.
He said the appellate court also rejected the argument that the lower court improperly shifted the burden of proof to the appellant, noting that sufficient evidence had established non-compliance with the APC’s rules and guidelines.
The counsel to Dr Sani Abdullahi shinkafi described the judgment as a significant victory for democracy and the rule of law, stressing that it demonstrated that everyone, regardless of position, must be subject to the law.
“This judgment had vindicated my client’s decision to pursue the case, and it sent a strong message to those who considered themselves above the law”.
It could be recalled that APC senatorial aspirant for Zamfara North Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has filed case before the Federal High Court Gusau alleged that,APC primary election was not held,there were irregularities.
Dr shinkafi won at the Federal High Court where the judge ordered for another primary election within 14 days,however Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura proceeded to Appeal court.
Meanwhile, Dr sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has described the ruling as victory for the democracy.
He urged his supporters across Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji, Zurmi and Kaura Namoda Local Government senatorial area to continue advocating for what he described as equitable political representation.
