Politics
Court Rejects Maihaja’s challenge to Wali’s emergence as Yobe APC guber candidate
A Federal High Court sitting in Damaturu, Yobe State, has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the emergence of Alhaji Baba Malam Wali as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The suit was filed by Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, an APC governorship aspirant who participated in the party’s May 21 primary election.
Maihaja had challenged the outcome of the primary, alleging irregularities and failure to comply with the APC’s electoral guidelines.
However, in a judgment delivered on Monday, November 9, 2026, Justice Fatima Murtala Amin ruled that the case was statute-barred because it was filed outside the legally prescribed timeframe.
The court consequently dismissed the suit.
The court also found that Maihaja failed to establish his allegations, particularly the claim of over-voting during the governorship primary.
Justice Amin upheld a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit, thereby dismissing the case on procedural grounds.
On the substantive issues, the judge identified material contradictions and inconsistencies in the testimonies of the plaintiff’s witnesses, describing the evidence as unreliable and insufficient to support the allegations.
The court further held that even if the suit had been filed within the prescribed timeframe, it would still have failed on its merits because the plaintiff did not provide credible evidence to establish the alleged over-voting.
Wali emerged winner of the APC governorship primary with 236,711 votes, securing the party’s ticket for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Reacting to the judgment, Wali’s Press Secretary, Shuaibu Abdullahi, commended the court for its consideration of the issues raised in the suit.
“We commend the Court for its painstaking consideration of the issues and reaffirm our confidence in the judiciary as the ultimate guardian of justice and the rule of law,” Abdullahi said.
The judgment dismisses the legal challenge to Wali’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate, leaving his party ticket intact ahead of the 2027 general election.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Peter Obi unveils 2027 agenda, promises to unite Nigeria, tackle insecurity, poverty
2027: Obi visits Plateau traditional rulers, raises alarm over insecurity
Makinde presents N1.12tn budget proposal for 2027 fiscal year
Makinde appoints four new permanent secretaries, reaffirms commitment to good governance
C’River: Army renames Calabar barracks after late COAS Ibrahim Attahiru
FCCPC pushes for petrol price cuts as global crude oil prices falls
MultiChoice backs NBC crackdown on unauthorised broadcast content sharing
2027: ‘I never said collect money to buy votes, only a political motivation’ – Wike defends N10m promise to FCT councillors
Tinubu writes Senate, seeks confirmation for NMDPRA executive directors
2027: ‘If elected, Obi will flee to Cameron when faced with Nigeria’s problems’ – Wike
Senate rewards Flamingos with N100m after historic world cup victory
Why I rejected US political asylum despite Abacha’s arrest threat – Obasanjo
‘I was an Arms Dealer; I sold weapons to anyone who could pay’ — Orji Kalu
Tinubu’s proposed $500m loan will burden my incoming government — Atiku
Kano Court orders detention of three men over alleged kidnap plot, ransom demand
INEC warns politicians against ‘Rig and Die’ slogan, says electoral offenders will face prosecution
‘He is a crook, never studied at Chicago state University’ – Ex-lecturer Doherty challenges Tinubu’s academic claims
FG seeks $500m World Bank fresh loan to finance infrastructure as Tinubu’s tenure nears end
We can’t stay indoors”: Sheda Farmers face double heat threat of crop loss and health risks: by Oladosu Adebola Oluwaseun
‘Deliver your ward for Tinubu, get N10m’ — Wike tells FCT Councillors
Keyamo: ADC will be on 2027 ballot, but Atiku may be excluded
Tragedy as Edo APC chieftain dies after son allegedly attacks him over prophecy
‘Nobody Can Take My Ticket’ — Uzodimma Fires Back Amid Senatorial Candidacy Dispute
2027: ‘God is my only political godfather’ – APM candidate, Seyi Makinde
Gospel Singer Toluwanisings set to be buried today in Ibadan
Reps demand accountability, greater oil production five years after PIA enactment
Tinubu’s proposed $500m loan will burden my incoming government — Atiku
‘I funded PDP, Obasanjo after release from prison, but they turned against me, destroyed my business’ – Orji Kalu reveals
Actress Destiny Etiko lands political appointment as Enugu Gov’s special assistant
