Judge’s absence stalls hearing on APC primaries suit in Taraba

Court Proceedings Delayed in APC Primaries Challenge

JALINGO, Nigeria — Proceedings in a lawsuit contesting the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing and Ardo-Kola/Karim-Lamido/Lau federal constituencies were postponed on Monday due to the absence of presiding Judge Mashkur Salisu of the Federal High Court.

The suit was initiated by Princess Leah Olusiyi Solomon and Job Julius, both of whom participated in the APC primary elections. Solomon sought the party’s nomination for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency, while Julius aimed for the Ardo-Kola/Karim-Lamido/Lau Federal Constituency.

The plaintiffs are requesting the court to annul the primaries, asserting that valid elections were not held in the two constituencies. They are also seeking an order for the APC to conduct new primaries.

Originally scheduled for hearing on Monday, the case was adjourned to June 17, 2026, in light of Justice Salisu’s absence.

Following the adjournment, counsel for the plaintiffs, Barrister Pius D. Pius, emphasized the importance of the lawsuit, arguing that the APC failed to execute proper primaries in the relevant constituencies. He urged the court to declare the previous exercises invalid and mandate fresh primaries in accordance with legal requirements.

Barrister Pius declined to comment on the reasons for the judge’s absence but expressed confidence that Justice Salisu would be present for the next session.

This case is one of several legal challenges currently pending before the Federal High Court in Jalingo regarding the conduct of APC primaries in Taraba State.

Political stakeholders and party members are closely monitoring the proceedings, as the outcome may significantly impact the APC’s internal electoral processes and the broader political landscape of the state.

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