The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken legal action against the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC), filing a suit in the Federal High Court in Gusau. The party alleges that ZASIEC violated electoral law by issuing only a thirty-day notice to political parties for the upcoming local council elections, rather than the legally mandated three months.
Yusuf Idris, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, made the announcement during a press briefing in Gusau, following a meeting of the State Working Committee. He described the situation as a “serious injustice” by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he claims is obstructing citizens’ constitutional rights to participate in the electoral process.
Idris emphasized that the short notice period is inadequate for political parties to conduct essential pre-election activities, such as selling nomination forms, screening candidates, and organizing campaigns. “The state government, after swearing in the commission’s chairman, Bala Aliyu Gusau, on October 14, 2024, immediately set a date for the local government elections without any proper process,” he noted.
He pointed out that the chairman announced the elections, scheduled for November 16, 2024, based on directives from Governor Dauda Lawal, neglecting the constitutional requirement for a three-month notice. Idris argued that the timeline provided is impossible for political parties to meet, thereby infringing on their rights and the democratic process in Zamfara State.
In addition to the legal challenge, the APC has also welcomed Suleiman Abubakar Gummi, a member of the House of Representatives for the Bukkuyum/Gummi constituency, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC. Idris expressed gratitude for Gummi’s decision, stating, “We assure him and his supporters they will enjoy the same rights and privileges as all other APC members.”
The APC has organized a reception to officially welcome Gummi and his supporters, aiming to further strengthen the party’s influence and appeal in the state. The legal challenge against ZASIEC is expected to address what the APC calls an unconstitutional attempt by the PDP to subvert democratic processes and restrict electoral participation.
