2027: Kebbi ADC Reps candidate sues party, INEC over alleged illegal replacement

Abubakar Labbo Gwandu, a candidate for the House of Representatives for Gwandu Federal Constituency in Kebbi State under the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has filed a lawsuit against the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over his alleged unlawful replacement. Labbo is seeking to restore his candidature in the suit filed before the Federal High Court in Birnin Kebbi.

He claims he was the winner of the ADC's primary election for the constituency but was later replaced by Muhammad Umar Jega. According to Labbo, Jega was subsequently replaced by Mansur Musa Jega, all without his consent. Financial inducements were used to facilitate these replacements, according to Labbo. He stated that he approached the court to challenge this perceived injustice and to have his candidature reinstated.

The case has its first hearing before the court, which is on recess. Labbo maintains that he was not consulted nor asked to consent to the replacements and insists that he is the legitimate candidate produced by the party's primary election.