Ex-Minority Whip Appeals Judgment Nullifying Gombe APC Primary

Ali Isa JC, former House of Representatives Minority Whip and member for Balanga/Billiri, has appealed a ruling that nullified his victory in the APC primary in Gombe State. On September 30, 2026, Justice Vera Ibrahim Eneabo ruled that he should have left his parliamentary seat before contesting the primary, classifying National Assembly members as political appointees. Constituents have also petitioned the National Judicial Council, arguing that the interpretation conflicts with the Constitution and could require all elected officials to resign before seeking another term. The Court of Appeal is expected to begin hearing Isa’s case in the coming days.