Leah Olusuyi went to court this week to challenge her party's primary outcome. She's an All Progressives Congress aspirant seeking the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing House of Representatives seat.
On May 16, 2026, the APC held its primary election. Sadiq Tafida emerged as the party's candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Olusuyi filed her case at the Federal High Court in Jalingo. She's asking the court to nullify the primary process entirely.
According to her legal team, led by P.D. Pius, no legitimate primary election took place.
The exercise that produced Tafida failed to meet basic requirements for a valid party primary, she contends.
Her lawyer noted that the nomination process lacked the fundamental standards needed. This, she argues, undermines Tafida's legitimacy as the party's chosen candidate.
The court is yet to assign a hearing date to the matter. However, court documents show the suit was filed within the statutory 14-day window for pre-election disputes under the Electoral Act.
This window protects her right to seek judicial review of the party contest. Meeting this deadline preserves her options in the legal process.
Inside the APC, tensions are running high over primary disputes. Multiple constituencies across Nigeria have seen similar post-primary litigation from aggrieved aspirants.
Political watchers say this pattern reflects a larger trend in Nigerian politics. Party primaries have become the opening round in fights over elective offices, not the final word on candidate selection.
The Jalingo court will begin hearings once a judge is assigned. Officials haven't yet set a date for proceedings to commence.
