The Apo Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has adjourned the case of the leadership tussle in the Sokoto chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) indefinitely.

On Thursday, the presiding judge, Angulu Musa, delivered a ruling on the matter between Sirajo Abubakar and five others, including Mainasara Abubakar.

The judge stated, “Since the appeal has already gotten to the Court of Appeal, the FCT High Court has no jurisdiction to hear the case and does not want to find itself in collision with the Court of Appeal.”

The judge asked the petitioners to approach the Court of Appeal as it is not a pre-election matter.

Both counsels present at Thursday’s ruling declined to comment when approached by journalists. 

The Sokoto APC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, leading to the emergence of not less than three factions, each laying claim to the party’s leadership.

The Sirajo Abubakar faction is loyal to the current House of Representatives member, Balarabe Salame, in conjunction with the incumbent speaker of the Sokoto House of Assembly.

Another faction of Isa Achida is loyal to the ex-governor and senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Aliyu Wamakko.

Mr Abubakar’s faction had appealed an earlier judgment of the FCT court (FCT/HC/CV/3265), delivered on December 16, 2021, affirming Mr Sani’s faction as the Sokoto APC executives.

Meanwhile, Mr Achida’s faction presented an application before the FCT High Court as an interested party, praying the court to set aside the judgement of December 16 since the matter remains pending at the Court of Appeal.

Because of the crisis, pending in court, APC leadership in Sokoto was not part of the newly inaugurated state executives recently issued certificates of return in Abuja. 

(NAN)