Kebbi 2027 Twist: Court Speaks On Move To Remove Malami As ADC Governorship Candidate

The Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown out a suit seeking to nullify the emergence of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Kebbi State.

Justice M.G. Umar delivered the judgment on Tuesday, holding that the plaintiff, Abdulrazak Isa Iko, failed to establish that he participated in the party’s governorship primary election.

The court ruled that, having failed to prove his participation in the primary, the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to challenge its outcome.

Consequently, the suit was dismissed in its entirety, clearing the way for Malami to remain the ADC’s governorship candidate for the 2027 poll in Kebbi State.

Justice Umar stated that once the issue of the plaintiff’s legal standing was resolved, there was no justification for the court to consider the substantive claims in the case.

The judge further held that the action lacked merit and ordered its dismissal.

The verdict effectively ends the legal challenge against Malami’s nomination, leaving his candidacy intact as preparations for the 2027 governorship election gather pace.

The ruling also reaffirmed the legal principle that only individuals who can demonstrate they participated in a political party’s primary election have the right to challenge the conduct or outcome of that primary before a court.