Court Clears Abel Peter Diah As APC Candidate For Gashaka, Kurmi Sardauna Federal Constituency

 The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a pre-election suit filed by Prince Sanusi Galadima challenging the emergence of Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Gashaka, Kurmi and Sardauna Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik resolved the key issues in favour of Diah, ruling against the plaintiff’s claims concerning his nomination and the party’s candidate selection process.

The court held that Galadima failed to establish that he had been nominated or substituted in the disputed process and was not an aspirant in the pre-election process under consideration.

It also held that the process which produced Diah as the APC candidate was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whereas the election relied upon by the plaintiff was not monitored by the electoral body.

The court further ruled against the plaintiff over his failure to exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism before approaching the court.

Consequently, the suit was dismissed, bringing the challenge against Diah’s emergence to an end at the trial court.

Reacting to the judgment, Diah, who represents Mbamnga Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, expressed appreciation to his supporters, loyalists and well-wishers for their prayers, solidarity and celebrations following the court victory.

He described the outcome as a collective achievement, thanking people across Gashaka, Kurmi and Sardauna, as well as supporters from other parts of Taraba State, for standing by him.

The APC flagbearer called on his supporters and Yukuna loyalists to promote unity, respect party leaders and avoid statements or actions capable of creating divisions within the party.

He also cautioned party members against using artificial intelligence-generated images to mock, embarrass or bully others, urging them to embrace responsible political engagement and mutual respect.

Diah further appealed to his supporters to rally behind Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas and other party leaders, stressing the importance of collective efforts towards securing victory for APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

He urged party faithful to build bridges, put aside personal differences and sustain peace and unity for the progress of the party and Taraba State.

Meanwhile, the Taraba State Chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement has organised a victory celebration in honour of Diah, its state patron, following the court judgment.

The celebration, held at the movement’s state office in Jalingo, brought together members and supporters, including those from Gashaka, Kurmi and Sardauna who were in the state capital, to express solidarity with the lawmaker and reaffirm their support for his political aspiration.

The movement described the court victory as a significant milestone for Diah and his supporters, expressing optimism that it would strengthen prospects for peace, unity and sustainable development across the constituency.

In its congratulatory message, the group commended Diah on the legal victory and wished him continued success in his political endeavours.

With the suit dismissed at the trial court, Diah and his supporters have turned attention to party unity and preparations for the 2027 elections.