Court directs INEC to publish David Mark’s list for Abuja LG poll

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the names of candidates submitted by David Mark, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Justice Mohammed Umar made the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by 17 ADC candidates challenging INEC’s refusal to grant them electronic access to submit their names for the elections.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1907/25, Justice Umar said the plaintiffs had presented credible evidence and had proven their case beyond reasonable doubt, justifying the reliefs they sought.

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The judge directed INEC to recognise and publish the names of the plaintiffs as ADC candidates for the positions they contested during the party’s substitution primary ahead of the 2026 FCT Area Council elections.

He also ordered INEC to provide the ADC with electronic access to upload the names to the commission’s portal, citing Sections 29(1), 31, 33, and 84(1)(5)(6) of the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC’s Election Guidelines.

The candidates whose names must be uploaded 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.

The plaintiffs had approached the court after INEC denied the ADC access to upload their names.

In a 27-paragraph affidavit, plaintiff Onuoha Goodness explained that the first 16 plaintiffs participated in the ADC’s substitution primary following the withdrawal of candidates from the main primary, while the 17th plaintiff was nominated as a vice-chairmanship candidate for the 2026 Abuja Municipal Area Council election.

She added that the ADC attempted to submit Forms EC9 and EC13 for the candidates on INEC’s portal but could not gain access.

Correspondence between ADC and INEC ICT staff showed that the problem arose because INEC did not recognize the substitution notification letter or the signatures of the current National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

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The plaintiffs also said INEC refused to accept a formal request from their lawyer, Kalu Agu, to grant portal access.

The court was asked to determine whether INEC is required under the Electoral Act and its guidelines to provide the ADC electronic access to upload its candidates for the February 21 elections.

Justice Umar ruled in the plaintiffs’ favor, ordering the commission to publish the ADC candidates.

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