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

Proceedings in a suit challenging the conduct of the All Progressives Congress, APC, primaries for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing and Ardo-Kola/Karim-Lamido/Lau federal constituencies were on Monday stalled following the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mashkur Salisu of the Federal High Court, Jalingo.

The case was filed by Princess Leah Olusiyi Solomon and Job Julius who participated in the APC primary election process. Solomon contested for the party’s ticket for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency, while Julius sought the nomination for the Ardo-Kola/Karim-Lamido/Lau Federal Constituency.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to nullify the primaries, alleging that no valid primary elections were conducted in the two constituencies. They are also seeking an order compelling the party to conduct fresh primaries.

The matter, which was scheduled for hearing on Monday, could not proceed due to Justice Salisu’s absence from the court. The case was subsequently adjourned to June 17, 2026, for hearing.

Speaking to journalists after the adjournment, counsel to the plaintiffs, Barrister Pius D. Pius, maintained that the suit was necessary because the APC allegedly failed to conduct primaries in the affected constituencies.

He argued that the court should declare the exercises invalid and order fresh primaries in line with the provisions of the law.

Barrister Pius, however, declined to comment on the reason for the judge’s absence, expressing confidence that Justice Salisu would be available to hear the matter on the next adjourned date.

The case is one of several legal disputes currently pending before the Federal High Court in Jalingo over the conduct of APC primaries in Taraba dtate.

Political stakeholders and party members are closely watching the proceedings, as the outcome could have far reaching implications for the APC’s internal electoral processes and the political landscape of the state.