COURT RESERVES JUDGMENT IN KOGI APC SENATORIAL SEAT DISPUTE

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 19, 2026, to deliver judgment in a suit challenging the emergence of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The suit was filed by an APC senatorial aspirant, Momoh Yusuf Obaro, who is challenging the outcome of the party’s May 18 primary election. He claims he won the exercise and should be recognised as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.

Obaro sued the APC, Bello and the Independent National Electoral Commission, asking the court to nullify Bello’s nomination and compel the party to forward his name to INEC as its candidate.

Bello, however, urged the court to dismiss the case, maintaining that he won the primary after polling the highest number of votes. He also disputed Obaro’s claims regarding his eligibility and participation in the primary.

APC and INEC also asked the court to dismiss the suit. INEC said its officials monitored the primary and reported that Bello emerged with the highest number of valid votes.

Justice Inyang Ekwo reserved the matter after lawyers representing the parties adopted their final arguments. The court will also consider a motion by Obaro seeking to amend the suit.