APC challenges defections in Niger, INEC omissions spark legal battles in Kano, Ogun
APC has sued to block former members from contesting 2027 elections in Niger State, targeting PDP governorship candidate Mohammed Nami and SDP's Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed among others. The suit, filed at Federal High Court Minna by 11 SANs led by Jacob Usman, argues these politicians defected without formally resigning APC membership. INEC is first defendant alongside PDP, SDP, ADC, and NDC.
In Kano, NDC's Aminu Gwarzo was omitted from INEC's October 10 candidates list, but the court order cited to justify exclusion was reportedly issued October 27—17 days later. Gwarzo alleges political interference by Kano State Government and APC-linked officials; NDC has filed in Abuja seeking INEC compliance. INEC hasn't explained the original omission.
Ogun PDP plans legal action after Ladi Adebutu was excluded from the final list despite meeting requirements, while INEC approved similar appeals in Gombe. Accord Party defends its nominations against a suit by its national secretary over submission authority.
The disputes follow the Supreme Court's September 24 ruling restoring Electoral Act 2026 Sections 77(5)–(7) and 84(2) on party membership registers. The court held these provisions don't automatically disqualify candidates—leaving the Federal High Courts to weigh APC's specific defection allegations.
With 2027 elections approaching, these cases will determine which candidates appear on ballots across multiple states. Will INEC's nomination processes withstand legal scrutiny, or will court-ordered exclusions reshape the gubernatorial races in Niger, Kano, and Ogun?