The Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday, sacked Abdulrauf Modibbo as member-elect representing Yola South/Yola North/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa in the National Assembly.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to replace Modibbo with Mustapha Usman and declare the latter as the Rep-elect.
Justice Inyang Ekwo nullified Modibbo’s election while delivering judgment in a suit filed by Mustapha Usman, challenging the election.
Modibbo was declared winner of the All Progressives Congress’ primaries held on October 7, 2018 in Yola, and he eventually represented the APC in the 2019 general elections, in which he was also declared winner.
Usman sued Modibbo after the election, alleging that Modibbo falsified his age and was not eligible to contest the APC primaries.
He prayed the court to disqualify Modibbo as APC candidate for Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency.
He joined the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission as defendants in the suit.
Justice Ekwo, in his judgment, declared that Modibbo was not qualified to contest the APC primaries as well as the 2019 House of Representatives election for the federal constituency.
The court held that Usman was the lawful winner of the October 7, 2018 APC primaries and candidate of the party for the constituency.
The judge further held that Usman had successfully proved beyond reasonable doubt that Modibbo falsified his age in order to contest the election.
The court also noted that the plaintiff proved that Modibbo submitted the forged certificates for the purpose of contesting the party primaries.
The court also held that Modibbo was a serving National Youth Corps member when he contested the primary election, saying the action breached Section 4 of the NYSC Act 2004.
“A person who is a lawbreaker cannot be a lawmaker, this illegality is one that cannot be wished away,” the judge said.
The judge declared that in view of the disqualification of Modibbo, Usman, who polled the second highest votes in the October 7, 2018 primary election of the APC for Yola South/Yola North/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa, was the lawful winner.
Justice Ekwo gave an order directing the APC and INEC to immediately replace Modibbo’s name with that of Usman as the lawful candidate of the APC for the federal constituency.
(NAN)
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
_______________________________________________________________________
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
