Court affirms Uba Sani as Kaduna APC governorship candidate

A federal high court in Kaduna has affirmed Uba Sani as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 election.

Sani, who is the senator representing Kaduna central, was chosen as the party’s consensus candidate during the primary in May.

Not satisfied with the process, Sani Sha’aban, one of the governorship aspirants, filed a suit before the court on June 20, seeking to invalidate the process that produced Sani as candidate for the 2023 polls.

According to him, the election was conducted without legal and due delegates.

While Sani was the second defendant in the suit, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were joined as the first and third defendants/respondents, respectively.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Mohammed Garba, the presiding judge, dismissed the suit on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear it.

According to Garba, the matter fell under internal party affairs.

In a statement issued after the court ruling, Sani expressed satisfaction with the judgment and urged party members to unite for the victory of the APC in the forthcoming elections.

“The Federal High Court today affirmed my candidature as the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Kaduna State. I commend my dear brother, Malam Sani Mahmood Sha’aban, for ventilating his grievance through the courts. That is the best way to grow and deepen our democracy,” the statement reads.

“I want to use this medium to call on Malam Sha’aban to join hands with me as we make the final push for Kashim Ibrahim House. He can add value to our incoming administration. All hands must be on deck to consolidate on the gains made in Kaduna State. Our people deserve the best.

“Our party men and women must see the conclusion of the case in court as an opportunity to build a united front for the 2023 electoral battle. Everybody is important. No one should be left behind. Inclusivity must be our watchword.

“I give thanks to Almighty Allah for this day.”