By Wasila Yakubu
The emergence of Baba Wali as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Yobe State has received a major legal boost after the Federal High Court in Damaturu dismissed a challenge to his victory in the party’s primary election.
The court rejected a suit filed by Mustapha Maihaja, who had contested the May 21, 2026, primary and questioned the process that produced Wali as the party’s flagbearer.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Fatima Amin ruled that the case was filed outside the period allowed by the Constitution, leaving the court without jurisdiction to hear it.
Maihaja had alleged irregularities in the exercise, including over-voting and breaches of the APC’s electoral guidelines. However, the judge also found that the claimant failed to present sufficient evidence to establish the allegations.
Justice Amin said the plaintiff’s witnesses gave contradictory accounts, weakening the credibility of their testimonies and making it impossible for the court to rely on them in granting the requested reliefs.
She stressed that serious allegations must be backed by convincing evidence rather than unsupported claims.
The judge further explained that the case would not have succeeded even if it had been filed within the legally permitted period, because Maihaja failed to prove that over-voting occurred during the primary.
Wali secured the APC governorship ticket after recording 236,711 votes in the May 21 exercise.
Reacting to the ruling, Wali’s Press Secretary, Shuaibu Abdullahi, welcomed the court’s decision and praised the handling of the case.
Abdullahi said the judgment reinforced the party’s confidence in the judiciary and its role in upholding justice and the rule of law.
The decision removes the legal challenge brought by Maihaja against Wali’s emergence as the APC candidate ahead of the 2027 Yobe governorship election.
Wasila Yakubu
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