THE Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that it has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Gusau to contest the legality of the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC).
They alleged that ZASIEC violated the law by failing to provide the required three-month notice to political parties regarding the local council elections, giving only a 30-day notice instead.
APC State Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris made this disclosure during a press briefing in Gusau, the state capital, following a meeting of the State Working Committee.
The party decried what it described as a “serious injustice” by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in denying citizens their constitutional right to participate in the local government elections to elect council chairmen and councillors.
Idris argued that a 30-day period is insufficient for political parties to distribute expression of interest and nomination forms, screen candidates, conduct primaries, address appeals or complaints, and organize campaigns to engage voters.
He pointed out that the state government, which appointed Bala Aliyu Gusau as the commission’s chairman on October 14, 2024, allowed him to announce a date for the local government elections almost immediately after taking his oath of office, disregarding proper procedures.
“The chairman announced the election date as directed by Governor Dauda Lawal, scheduling the polls for November 16, 2024. This was done within 30 days from his swearing-in, without adhering to the constitutional requirement for political parties to receive three months’ notice to facilitate the sale of party forms, candidate screening, primary elections, addressing appeals, and preparing for the election—activities that cannot be organized within the unconstitutional timeframe imposed by the state government.”
Idris characterized this maneuver as an effort by the ruling PDP to obstruct candidates from other political parties from participating in the local government elections in Zamfara State.
The APC reiterated that they have filed a lawsuit in the Federal High Court in Gusau to challenge the legality of ZASIEC and ensure that proper electoral practices are observed for the benefit of all state residents.
“We have officially filed our case in Federal High Court, Gusau, seeking justice against this egregious injustice, with the firm belief that the rightful course will ultimately prevail.”
The APC accused the PDP of trying to undermine democracy and the people’s will by appointing individuals to lead the local governments.
In another development, the opposition APC welcomed a recent defector, Suleiman Abubakar Gummi, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Bukkuyum/Gummi constituency, who recently switched from the ruling PDP to the APC.
“On behalf of our great party, I extend a warm welcome to Hon. Engineer Suleiman Abubakar Gummi, the member for Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, as he joins the APC, having officially announced his defection before the Honourable Speaker and other members during Wednesday’s plenary at the National Assembly,” said the party.
The APC assured Hon. Gummi and his supporters that they will receive all rights and privileges afforded to existing members, expressing confidence that his experience and strong backing will further enhance the party’s reputation.
The party also mentioned plans to hold a reception in Gummi to formally welcome him and reiterated its commitment to providing him and his supporters with the same rights enjoyed by other APC members.