Kano NDC Candidates Call on INEC to Uphold Court Rulings Ahead of 2027 Polls

Five candidates representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State have formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to honor existing court judgments regarding their eligibility for the 2027 general elections. The group, represented by counsel Bola Aidi, SAN, is seeking to ensure that the commission recognizes their candidacy in line with judicial directives.

The Basis of the Dispute

The candidates—Abdulmajid Isah Umar, Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada, Ismaeel Idris Sani, Ibrahim Bashiru Bango, and Nasir Alli Ahmed—assert that they successfully completed the party’s nomination and screening processes. According to the petition, the NDC national leadership previously sought judicial intervention to ensure these candidates were properly recognized by INEC. Specifically, the petition references Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1628/2026, in which the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim order directing the commission to upload the names of the affected candidates.

Furthermore, the legal counsel noted that the Federal High Court in Kano delivered judgments on October 14, 2026, which specifically affirmed the candidature of two of the five individuals. The petitioners argue that these rulings remain binding unless they are formally stayed or set aside by a higher court.

Concerns Over Political Pressure

The petition was submitted in response to an earlier complaint filed by the Kano State chapter of the NDC against an INEC official, Mrs. Hauwa Buhari. The state chapter had accused the official of providing inconsistent reports regarding the party’s primary elections. Aidi argued that the current efforts by local party members to discredit the candidates are contradictory, given that the national leadership had previously sought the same candidates’ recognition through the courts.

The candidates expressed concern that ongoing protests and media campaigns in Kano and Abuja are intended to exert undue influence on both electoral officials and the judiciary. While the petition emphasizes that the candidates do not oppose the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, it warns against intimidation tactics that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

Calls for Institutional Neutrality

In their appeal to the INEC chairman, the candidates requested that the commission:

• Maintain neutrality and resist administrative decisions that could prejudice pending court cases.
• Protect electoral staff from political persecution or improper pressure.
• Preserve all original monitoring reports and electronic records related to the disputed primaries.
• Conduct a fair investigation into allegations against INEC staff rather than allowing disciplinary mechanisms to be used for political ends.

Aidi cited Sections 158(1) and 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that INEC has a legal obligation to comply with the decisions of the Federal High Court. The counsel also confirmed that the candidates have engaged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate alleged threats and interference with judicial proceedings.

Conclusion

The petitioners warned that allowing external pressure to override documented nomination processes or court orders could set a dangerous precedent for the 2027 election cycle. As of the time of reporting, it remains unclear how INEC will respond to the specific requests for document preservation and the handling of the internal party dispute. The candidates maintain that their primary goal is to ensure that their electoral rights are protected in accordance with the rule of law.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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