A Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo has granted an order for substituted service against the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Taraba State, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, in a suit challenging the party’s recent state chairmanship primary.
Speaking with journalists after proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Pius Danba Pius, said the matter could not proceed as scheduled because the defendant had not been successfully served with court documents.
According to him, the legal team applied for substituted service after several failed attempts to personally serve the APC chairman, alleging that he had consistently avoided receiving the processes.
“We applied for the originating processes to be pasted at the APC secretariat, and the court granted the application,” the lawyer said, adding that the case would continue whether or not the chairman appears before the court.
He explained that once an opportunity for fair hearing has been provided under the law, court proceedings can continue in the absence of a defendant.
The suit was filed by one of the aspirants in the APC state chairmanship primary, Alhaji Abdulhadi Lau, who accused the party leadership of irregularities and alleged that the process did not provide a level playing field for contestants.
Reacting to the development, APC member Emmanuel George described the matter as an internal party affair and expressed optimism that party leaders were working toward an amicable resolution.
He reaffirmed the loyalty of party members to Governor Agbu Kefas, saying efforts were ongoing to resolve the dispute peacefully.
The matter was adjourned to June 8, 2026, for further hearing.
