Lawan and APC Challenge Lawsuit Over Yobe Primary Election

Senator Ahmad Lawan of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Yobe North, and the APC have filed preliminary objections in Abuja against a lawsuit challenging the May 18 Yobe North Senatorial District primary election outcome. The lawsuit was initiated by Hassan Kafayos, an aspirant excluded from the primary, who claimed he was screened and cleared by the APC's Screening Committee but was informed on the election day that only Lawan was cleared to contest.

Kafayos alleged that police officers, backed by Lawan, disrupted the voting process and that the election committee relocated to Lawan's residence for an endorsement. He seeks a court order to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting Lawan's candidacy, a fresh primary election, and N50 million in damages.

Lawan's lawyer, Shaibu Aruwa, argued that the suit was improperly filed in Abuja and should be in Damaturu, while APC's counsel, Adedayo Adedeji, stated the suit was statute-barred. The matter is adjourned to September 18 for hearing.