Appeal Court dismisses suit challenging Zamfara APC primaries

The of Appeal, Sokoto yesterday dismissed the suit filed by Aminu Jaji challenging the judgment of the Zamfara High Court that upheld the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in the state.

The dismissal was sequel to an application for withdrawal filed by the appellant’s counsel, Ishayaka Dikko (SAN).

The presiding judge, Justice Jummai Sankey, accepted the argument of the counsel that the appellant had the right to unilaterally withdraw at any given time, as issues were yet to be joined.

She overruled the argument of Zamfara APC counsel, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), that the withdrawal was not in compliance with the rule of the court in view of the provision of Order 11 Rule 4, which stipulated that counsel in an appeal must consent to withdrawal of the appeal by the appellant.

Justice Sankey therefore dismissed the appeal with the motion earlier filed by Zamfara APC seeking enforcement of the high court’s ruling which upheld the party primary in the state.

Reacting, Magaji said development was consistent with extant laws.

Senator Kabiru Marafa and Jaji hailed the ruling, describing it as victory for democracy.

They said it was no longer fashionable to impose candidates on the people and go unchallenged.

Marafa added: “God has answered the prayers of our people who are being killed and kidnapped everyday and prayed for change of government which would be responsive to their yearnings and aspirations.”