Court Rejects Maihaja's Challenge to Wali's APC Candidacy

The Federal High Court in Damaturu, Yobe State, dismissed a suit filed by Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja against Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, who emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 general election. Maihaja contested the party's primary held on May 21, 2026, alleging irregularities such as over-voting and non-compliance with electoral guidelines.

Justice Fatima Murtala Amin ruled that the suit was statute-barred, having been filed outside the constitutionally prescribed period. The court also found that Maihaja failed to provide credible evidence to support his claims of over-voting, noting contradictions in the testimonies of his witnesses.

Even if the suit had been timely, it would have failed on its merits due to insufficient proof of the alleged irregularities. Wali secured 236,711 votes in the primary.

Shuaibu Abdullahi, Press Secretary to Wali, praised the court's thorough consideration of the case.