Former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ali Isa JC, has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Gombe that nullified his victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency.

Justice Vera Ibrahim Eneabo, in a judgment delivered on September 30, 2026, nullified the primary election held in May, ruling that Isa was required to resign as a serving member of the House of Representatives before contesting for re-election.

The court held that a serving member of the National Assembly fell within the category of political appointees required to resign before participating in a party primary to seek re-election to the same office.

Dissatisfied with the decision, Isa has approached the Court of Appeal, seeking an order setting aside the judgment.

Separately, a group of constituents from Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, supported by a team of lawyers, has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the ruling.

The petitioners faulted the court’s interpretation of an elected member of the National Assembly as a political appointee, arguing that the decision could have wider implications for elected public office holders.

According to the group, upholding the judgment could raise questions about whether the president, governors, senators and members of federal and state legislatures must resign before seeking re-election.

The petitioners maintained that such a requirement would be inconsistent with their interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They urged the NJC to examine the matter and determine whether the circumstances of the judgment warranted further investigation into the handling of the case and the interpretation of the relevant law.

The appeal is expected to be considered by the Court of Appeal in the coming days.

The appellate court’s decision will determine whether the Federal High Court’s judgment nullifying Isa’s APC primary victory will stand or be overturned.