The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 19, 2026, to deliver judgment in a suit challenging the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Kogi Central involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Justice Inyang Ekwo set the date on Monday after lawyers representing the parties adopted their written addresses, marking the conclusion of arguments in the case.
The suit was filed by Momoh Yusuf Obaro, an aspirant in the APC primary, against the party, Bello and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obaro is challenging the outcome of the May 18 primary, claiming that he emerged as the legitimate winner of the exercise.
He is asking the court to recognise him as the APC’s candidate for the Kogi Central Senatorial District and direct INEC to register and publish his name as the party’s candidate in accordance with the law.
Bello, who is the first defendant in the suit, rejected Obaro’s claims and maintained that he won the primary with 72,399 votes.
According to Bello, Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke came second with 319 votes, while Obaro finished third with 188 votes.
The former governor described the allegations against him as fabricated and intended to mislead the court.
Bello also challenged the competence of the suit, arguing that it was not supported by a proper sworn statement as required by legal procedure.
He consequently urged the court to dismiss the case in its entirety.
Following the adoption of the parties’ final written addresses and the presentation of their arguments, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until November 19 for judgment.
The court’s decision will determine the outcome of the legal challenge to the APC’s Kogi Central senatorial primary.
