The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and publish the names of candidates submitted by Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for the February 21 Area Councils election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Mohammed Umar, in his ruling on Tuesday, granted the order while hearing a suit filed by 17 ADC candidates, who had challenged INEC’s refusal to provide them electronic access to submit their candidacy for the upcoming elections.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1907/25, followed allegations that INEC blocked the party from uploading the names of candidates following a substitution primary election. The plaintiffs contended that they participated in the ADC primaries after the withdrawal of initial candidates, but the commission denied access to its portal due to a dispute over the recognition of signatures from the party’s current leadership.
Delivering judgment, Justice Umar held that the evidence presented by the plaintiffs was credible and established their case beyond reasonable doubt. He ordered INEC to publish the names of the candidates and grant electronic access to the ADC to upload the relevant forms in accordance with Sections 29(1), 31, 33, and 84(1)(5)(6) of the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC’s Election Guidelines.
The candidates now confirmed to contest in the February 21 election 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.
One of the plaintiffs, Onuoha Goodness, explained in a 27-paragraph affidavit that ADC had made repeated efforts to upload their names to the INEC portal but were blocked due to the substitution notification letter not recognising the signatures of the current National Chairman and National Secretary. Correspondence between ADC and INEC ICT staff confirmed the access issue, which the plaintiffs claimed was a deliberate attempt to prevent them from contesting.
ADC’s lawyer, Kalu Agu, had also submitted letters to INEC seeking access on behalf of the candidates, which the commission allegedly refused to receive. The court’s decision now compels INEC to comply, ensuring the candidates’ participation in the forthcoming elections.
