Nigeria, Sept. 30 -- The Federal High Court in Gombe has nullified the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held on 16 May for the Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, ruling that the exercise failed to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act.

The court also ordered the APC to conduct a fresh primary and barred Ali J.C., who emerged from the nullified election, from taking part in the rerun.

Justice Vera Ibrahim delivered the judgement after finding that Mr Ali's name was not contained in the APC membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the period prescribed by law.

The court's decision was based on Section 77 of the Electoral Act, which requires political parties to ...