The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken legal action against the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC) over allegations of procedural irregularities. The APC claims that ZASIEC issued only a 30-day notice for the upcoming local council elections, contravening the legally required three-month notification period. The case was filed at the Federal High Court in Gusau to challenge what the APC calls “a serious injustice” by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ensure adherence to constitutional guidelines.
According to the APC State Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, the 30-day notice limits other political parties' ability to fully participate in the election, as it hinders them from conducting essential processes like selling nomination forms, screening aspirants, and campaigning. “This shortened time frame denies our candidates the opportunity to prepare adequately and subverts the constitutional rights of Zamfara citizens,” Idris stated.
The APC asserts that this shortened notice period was a directive by Governor Dauda Lawal, with the ZASIEC Chairman, Bala Aliyu Gusau, setting the election date for November 16, 2024, just after assuming office on October 14. The APC argues that the compressed schedule would prevent the fair participation of all political entities.
Meanwhile, in related developments, the APC has welcomed Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Gummi, the House of Representatives member representing Bukkuyum/Gummi constituency, into its fold. Gummi recently defected from the PDP to the APC, announcing his decision during a plenary session at the National Assembly.
“We are delighted to welcome Hon. Gummi and his supporters to the APC,” Idris said, highlighting the party’s plans to organize a reception for Gummi in Gummi. He assured Gummi and his team that they would enjoy all rights and privileges within the APC.
As the court prepares to address this challenge, the case underscores the intensifying political tensions in Zamfara State.
