Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a legal dispute over the party's candidate for the Zuru/Fakai/Danko Wasagu/Sakaba Federal Constituency in Kebbi State. The order followed a suit filed by Abubakar Sadiq Sa'adu Fakai, who is challenging the party's decision to conduct another primary election aimed at replacing him with Bashar Sulaiman Bajida.
Fakai, who claims to have emerged as the ADC candidate in an earlier primary election, argued that his name was subsequently submitted to INEC as the party's candidate for the constituency. He is challenging the alleged attempt by the ADC to substitute his name without his formal withdrawal from the race, as required by law. The suit was filed on August 14, 2026, and came up for mention before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Fakai's counsel, Ezra Enwere of Savannah Law LP, informed the court that the plaintiff had filed both interim and interlocutory applications seeking orders restraining the ADC and INEC from replacing his name with that of Bajida. However, the court held that it was unnecessary to hear the applications at that stage and adjourned the matter for the hearing of the substantive suit. The court fixed September 8, 2026, for hearing and directed that all parties be duly served with the court processes.
As part of the order, the court directed the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case. This effectively requires the parties to remain in the position they occupied before the disputed August 18, 2026, primary election. For now, Fakai's name is expected to remain on the INEC portal as the ADC candidate for the federal constituency pending the outcome of the legal battle.
The legal battle comes amid renewed political activities by the ADC in Kebbi State, including the recent inauguration of a 600-member campaign council led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. Following Thursday's ruling, Fakai urged his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, expressing confidence that the court would determine the matter in accordance with the law.
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