2027: Accord Party Files Objection to Suit Seeking its Candidates’ Disqualification

In 2027, the Accord Party has filed an objection to a lawsuit seeking the disqualification of its candidates in the upcoming general election. The party argues that the lawsuit has become statute barred due to it being filed outside of the 14-day deadline required by law. Filing the lawsuit with the Federal High Court in Abuja, the party's National Secretary, Adebukola Ajaja, also questions the court's jurisdiction, asserting that the issue of candidates' nomination is an internal matter for the political party.

The party challenges the plaintiff's locus standi, claiming that they were not an aspirant in the primary election held on May 29 and that the proper parties were not included in the suit. The party asserts that the plaintiff did not provide the required 21 days pre-action notice, rendering the case premature. The National Chairman and National Organising Secretary of the Accord Party argue that their primary election was conducted in accordance with all relevant laws and guidelines, despite the plaintiff's contention that the required pre-action notice was not given.

The party also counters the plaintiff's claim by stating that the National Executives of the party had expressly authorized the co-signing of the candidates' lists and forms with the third defendant, negating any wrongdoing. The party relies on the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Jegede v. INEC, arguing that even if only the National Chairman signed, the plaintiffs' case would still fail due to the sufficiency of the National Chairman's signature.