A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a political party. The ruling was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, who declared the suit incompetent and lacking in credible evidence.
Background of the Case
The plaintiffs, led by Umar Ardo, filed the suit under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/2788/2025, naming INEC along with Akin Ricketts and Aminu Ahmed as defendants. They sought an order to compel INEC to register ADA as a political party and a declaration that the association should be deemed registered under Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, arguing that INEC failed to act within the statutory period.
Court's Ruling on Procedure
Justice Nwite upheld a preliminary objection raised by the second and third defendants, who argued that the suit was initiated through the wrong legal procedure. The judge noted that the issues raised were contentious, involving allegations of fraud and disputed facts that could not be resolved through an originating summons. He stated that the matter should have been commenced via a writ of summons to allow for oral evidence and cross-examination of witnesses.
“The matter is instituted by an improper procedure and thereby incompetent,” the judge ruled, striking out the suit. He added that the improper procedure robbed the court of its requisite decision.
Merits of the Case
Despite striking out the suit, Justice Nwite considered the substantive claims, noting inconsistencies between the names of interim national officers submitted to INEC and those in the association's original letter of intent. The plaintiffs failed to explain these discrepancies satisfactorily. Consequently, he dismissed the case for lacking merit and credible evidence.
SDP Submits Adebayo as Presidential Candidate
In a separate development, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally submitted the name of Adewole Adebayo to INEC as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The party, through its National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, forwarded the details following its national convention and presidential primary held in Bauchi.
The convention, conducted peacefully at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, saw Adebayo emerge as the sole aspirant, securing the support of delegates and party members. Adebayo, who was also the SDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, was returned unopposed.
The party's letter, titled 'Submission of the Name and Other Details of SDP Presidential Candidate', confirmed that Prince Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo would contest the presidency on the SDP platform.
