A Federal High Court in Minna, Niger State, has adjourned until July 9, 2026, a suit challenging the emergence of Prof. Yakubu Mohammed Auna as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency.
The suit, filed by Alhaji Shehu Samaila Auna, asks the court to determine whether the APC complied with the Electoral Act before announcing Prof. Auna as its candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Plaintiff Questions APC Primary
According to the plaintiff, the APC failed to conduct a valid primary election before declaring Prof. Auna its candidate.
He argued that the nomination violated the Electoral Act. In addition, he urged the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the nomination until it decides the case.
Court Fixes July 9 for Hearing
The hearing did not go ahead because some defendants had not received the court documents.
Consequently, counsel to the plaintiff requested more time to complete the service of processes. Justice Mohammed Aminu Dan Ige granted the application and adjourned the case to July 9, 2026.
The judge also directed every defendant to receive the necessary documents before the next hearing.
INEC, APC Named in Suit
The plaintiff listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC and several party officials as defendants.
He wants the court to declare the nomination invalid if it finds that the party failed to conduct a lawful primary election.
Matter Returns Next Week
The case will resume on July 9, when all parties are expected to present their arguments before the court.
Meanwhile, political stakeholders are watching the proceedings closely because the judgment could determine the APC’s candidate for the Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general election.
