The Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressive Congress has said it will be appealing the Federal High court ruling disqualifying the party from fielding a governorship candidate for the 2023 general election.
The court had on Friday, annulled the candidature of Sen. Aishatu Ahmed, and restrained her from parading herself as the governorship candidate of the APC, based on a suit filed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, challenging the outcome of May 26 Adamawa APC governorship primary, over allegations bordering on over voting, vote buying and other irregularities.
Justice Abdulaziz Anka, in his court judgement after resolving all the matters for consideration in the substantive suit held that the Adamawa APC guber primary was not compliant with the 2022 Electoral Act, the nation’s constitution, and the party guidelines.
Hence, the court held that the said nomination of Sen. Aishatu Ahmed, by the 1st defendant, APC, be invalid, and unlawful because it clearly contravened Section 85 (5) of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended, and cannot, therefore, field a candidate to participate in the upcoming 2023 elections.
But the Adamawa state APC arising from the meeting of the state working committee and all the chairmen of the local government chapters vowed to appeal the judgement after denouncing the judgement.
Dr Raymond Chidama, state secretary who read the communique containing the position of the party after the meeting, asked party members to remain calm.
The party, he said, will participate in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections while expressing a favourable outcome of the appeal to be filed by the party.
“The party rejects totally, the refusal of the court to order a fresh primary in order for us to fill the post for a candidate in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
“Therefore, we would proceed to a court of appeal immediately, to press for our demands. We appeal for calm among our party faithful, and our supporters to remain loyal, and committed so as not to allow disaffection among their followers.
“Finally, we want to assure all our faithful party followers that we are going to participate in the 2023 general elections and we shall take over the Adamawa government house.”
