2027 Election: Federal High Court Nullifies Lukman’s Candidacy, Declares Owadara NDC Candidate

A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace Ibrahim Lukman with Olumuyiwa Owadara as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency I in the 2027 general election.

Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the order on October 20, ruling that Lukman did not participate in the party’s primary election, which Owadara won on May 29.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the court nullified INEC’s publication of Lukman’s name on August 1 and ordered the electoral commission to publish Owadara’s name and particulars as the party’s candidate. The court also awarded ₦1 million in costs against INEC and Lukman.

In explaining the decision, Justice Aluko relied on INEC’s monitoring report, which indicated that Owadara secured the highest number of lawful votes cast during the party’s primary election.

The judge rejected INEC’s argument that it had merely published the candidates’ details submitted by political parties, stating that the commission failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate its position.

Justice Aluko maintained that INEC had no lawful basis for publishing Lukman as the NDC candidate for the constituency. The court also found no evidence that the party had conducted another primary election or followed the legally prescribed procedure for replacing its candidate.

Reacting to the judgment, Owadara’s legal team, led by Festus Ogun of FOLEGAL, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

Ogun expressed relief over the court’s decision, praising the judiciary for what he described as its commitment to dispensing justice without fear or favour.

On October 23, the legal team reportedly wrote to INEC’s national chairman, requesting that the commission immediately comply with the court’s directives.

The ruling highlights the importance of conducting valid party primaries and adhering to electoral laws in determining candidates for Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

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