The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize, grant electronic access for uploading, and publish the names of 17 candidates fielded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the forthcoming February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1907/25, filed by the 17 ADC candidates who challenged INEC's refusal to provide them with electronic access to upload their nomination details on the commission's portal.
The candidates, who emerged from a substitution primary election following the withdrawal of earlier nominees, alleged that INEC deliberately blocked their access despite efforts to submit Forms EC9 and EC13 within the stipulated deadlines.
Disputes arose over INEC's non-recognition of the current ADC leadership headed by National Chairman Senator David Mark and National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola leading to rejected substitution notifications and denied portal access codes.
The plaintiffs, represented by lawyer Kalu Agu, presented credible evidence, including affidavits (notably from 17th plaintiff Onuoha Goodness, nominated as ADC vice-chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council), demonstrating their participation in the primaries and subsequent upload attempts.
Relying on relevant sections of the Electoral Act 2022 (Sections 29(1), 31, 33, and 84(1)(5)(6)) and INEC's own election guidelines, Justice Umar held that the commission was legally obliged to facilitate the upload and publication of the candidates' names.
The judge described the plaintiffs' evidence as credible and deserving of significant weight, granting all reliefs sought in the originating summons.
The court specifically directed INEC to:
Recognize the plaintiffs as legitimate ADC candidates for the positions contested in the substitution primary.
Grant the ADC electronic access to upload the candidates' details on its portal.
Publish the names accordingly.
The affected candidates include Jafaru Shaibu, Ayenajeyi Yakubu, Dauda Awode, Ezra Zaki, Sunday Abraham, Ayuba Adam, Jamilu Kabiru, Nuhu Madaki, Ibrahim Aliyu, Ogwuche Linus, Chibuike Anyika, Okechukwu Ironkwe, Godwin Adoga, Agada John, Onuoha Goodness, Mahrazu Bichi, and Tobias Obechina.
This ruling comes amid preparations for the FCT Area Council polls, which cover six area councils and involve chairmanship and councillorship positions.
The decision ensures these ADC candidates can participate, resolving a key nomination dispute ahead of the election date.
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