A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and publish the list of candidates submitted by the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, January 20, Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the ADC had met all legal requirements necessary for its candidates to participate in the election. He held that there was “sufficient evidence” to justify the inclusion of the party’s candidates on the ballot.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1907/25, was filed by 17 ADC candidates who challenged INEC’s refusal to grant them electronic access to upload their details for various elective positions.
Justice Umar stated that the plaintiffs “adduced credible evidence and proved their case against INEC,” and consequently directed the electoral body to recognise and publish their names as duly nominated ADC candidates following the party’s substitution primary.
The court further ordered INEC to grant the ADC electronic access to upload the candidates’ names in line with Sections 29(1), 31, 33 and 84(1)(5)(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as INEC’s election guidelines.
The affected candidates include Jafaru Shaibu, Ayenajeyi Yakubu, Dauda Awode, Ezra Zaki, Sunday Abraham, Ayuba Adam, Jamilu Kabiru, Nuhu Madaki, Ibrahim Ali, Ogwuche Linus, Chibuike Anyika, Okechukwu Ironkwe, Godwin Adoga, Agada John, Onuoha Goodness, Mahrazu Bichi and Tobias Obechina.
