The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 19 for judgment in a suit filed by Chief Momoh Obaro, challenging the emergence of former Governor Yahaya Bello as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Kogi Central. The suit, marked FHC/ABK/CS/1085/2026, was filed on May 29 by Obaro's lawyer, Kimi Appah. Obaro seeks to void Bello's APC senatorial ticket, claiming he was the lawful winner of the May 18 primary poll.
Obaro alleged that Bello was not screened and cleared as an aspirant in the poll and that he was shocked to hear that Bello was declared the winner and his name forwarded to INEC. In his affidavit, Obaro claimed that he scored the highest number of lawful votes cast on May 18 and urged the court to declare him the lawful winner whose name should be forwarded to INEC as APC's candidate. He also sought an order of mandamus compelling APC to recognize and forward his name to INEC as the duly and validly nominated candidate.
However, Bello denied Obaro's claims, stating that he scored the highest number of lawful votes while Obaro polled a distant third place. Bello's counter affidavit, deposed to by his lawyer Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that Obaro had failed to produce the authentic and official result sheet by the duly constituted primary election committee. Bello also denied withdrawing from the contest, contrary to Obaro's allegations. He claimed that he was screened, cleared, and certified to contest in the poll.
The APC and INEC have also urged the court to dismiss the suit. In their separate court documents, they argued that the primary election was conducted substantially in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026. INEC's counter affidavit, deposed to by Muhammad Ayuba, stated that the commission monitored the election and that Bello won with the highest number of valid votes.
The case was called on Monday, with counsel for Obaro, APC, Bello, and INEC adopting their processes and urging the court to grant or dismiss the suit. Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter until November 19 for ruling on Obaro's motion to amend or judgment. The court's decision will determine whether Bello's candidacy is valid or if Obaro's claims have merit.
The development has significant implications for the 2027 senatorial poll in Kogi Central. If the court rules in favor of Obaro, Bello's candidacy may be voided, and Obaro could become the APC's candidate. Conversely, if the court upholds Bello's candidacy, he will remain the APC's candidate for the senatorial seat.
The court's judgment will bring clarity to the APC's senatorial ticket in Kogi Central and have a significant impact on the 2027 senatorial poll. The parties involved will be watching the court's decision closely, as it will determine the course of the election.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 19 for judgment in a suit challenging Yahaya Bello's emergence as APC's senatorial candidate for Kogi Central.
