FHC’s Lifu Overrules FHC’s Lima, Voids 1,503 ADC Candidates; Who Will INEC Obey?

In a ruling that has stunned the entire nation and jeopardized democratic processes, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) executive led by Senator David Mark, voiding the candidacies of more than 1,500 individuals, including the party's presidential contender, Atiku Abubakar. This decision comes 71 days before the upcoming presidential election, causing confusion and uncertainty among political stakeholders.

The case began when Hon. Justice Musa S. Liman also from the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled against the Mark-led ADC executive, stating that the court lacked jurisdiction over an internal party matter and that the plaintiff, Atiku Abubakar, lacked standing. In his ruling, Justice Liman directed INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) to recognize the ADC leadership and engage with them, while awarding costs against the plaintiff.

However, four months later, Justice Lifu issued a contrary judgment, declaring the Mark-led ADC executive as invalid, null, and void, overruling Justice Liman's earlier judgment. This raises the question of which judgment INEC should follow. The sudden reversal of decisions has left the public in a quandary and heightened speculation regarding the future of the electoral process as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of ADC, expressed his concerns regarding the latest ruling, calling it a "panic response to the Sokoto rally." He described the timing of the judgment as deliberate, aiming to weaken his support in the North and undermine a campaign resonating across the country. Atiku stressed that his candidacy belongs to all Nigerians and emphasized the nationwide nature of the movement he is leading.