A significant ruling from the Federal High Court in Jos has directed the All Progressives Congress (APC) to carry out fresh primary elections in ten wards of the Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Hon. Esther Bitrus Danboyi, who contested the legitimacy of the primary that nominated Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos as the APC candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Justice Dorcas Agishi delivered the verdict on Friday, stating that the previous primary elections were marred by irregularities. The case, identified as suit number FHC/J/CS/42/2026, highlighted the failure to conduct valid elections in several wards, leading to Danboyi's appeal for the results to be annulled.

Danboyi's legal counsel, Ritji Timothy Yilwatda, articulated that the primary process breached constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and the APC's internal guidelines. Furthermore, Danboyi asserted that she was denied a fair hearing when she raised her concerns with the APC and its Primary Election Appeal Committee.

The court's investigation revealed that the necessary elections had not been held in the wards contested by Danboyi. Consequently, Justice Agishi ordered that the elections be completed within 30 days. The ten wards affected by this ruling include Du, Shen, Zawan 'B', Fobur 'A', Fobur 'B', Jarawan Kogi, Mai Juju/Doss, Federe, Shere East, and Shere West.

In addition to ordering new primaries, the court also imposed financial penalties on the defendants. A total of N1.5 million in costs was awarded, with each party—Bagos, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—required to pay N500,000 to Danboyi.

This ruling underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring adherence to electoral laws and internal party regulations, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections. The outcome of the fresh primaries will be closely watched, as it could significantly impact the political landscape in Plateau State and beyond.