The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party against the Independent National Electoral Commission over the publication of Adewole Adebayo as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The SDP and its National Organising Secretary, Dr Chukwuma Ogbonna, are the plaintiffs. They accused INEC of failing to recognise the candidate they say emerged from a valid primary process.
According to the party, it conducted its presidential primary election and national convention on May 20, 2026, in Abuja under the leadership of its national chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam. INEC monitored the exercise and later issued a certified true copy of its monitoring report.
The SDP said it subsequently submitted the name and particulars of Hon. Abimbola Akeem Atanda, whom it described as the winner of the primary, to the electoral body. Instead, the commission published Adebayo’s name as the party’s candidate.
The plaintiffs argued that INEC’s action violated provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. They asked the court to restrain the commission from recognising, accepting or publishing any name other than that of their validly nominated candidate. They also sought an order setting aside the publication of Adebayo’s name, restraining INEC from placing him on the ballot, and directing the commission to recognise and publish the name of the candidate who won the monitored primary.
Justice Salim Ibrahim reserved judgment after the parties adopted their final written addresses.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
