FEDERAL HIGH COURT ORDERS INEC TO PUBLISH DAVID MARK’S ADC CANDIDATE LIST FOR FCT POLLS

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the list of candidates submitted by the African Democratic Congress under the leadership of its Chairman, Senator David Mark, for the upcoming February 21, 2026, FCT Area Councils election.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order on Tuesday in a judgment on a suit filed by 17 ADC candidates. The candidates had challenged INEC’s refusal to grant them access to the commission’s electronic portal for the polls.

In his ruling, Justice Umar stated that the plaintiffs’ evidence was credible and carried “more probative value,” proving their case beyond a reasonable doubt and entitling them to the reliefs sought.

The judge directed INEC to recognize and publish the plaintiffs as ADC candidates stemming from the party’s substitution primaries. He further ordered the electoral body to provide electronic access for the uploading of their details. The order was made under Sections 29(1), 31, 33, and 84(1)(5)(6) of the 2022 Electoral Act and relevant INEC guidelines.

The candidates involved are Jafaru Shaibu, Ayenajeyi Yakubu, Dauda Awode, Ezra Zaki, Sunday Abraham, Ayuba Adam, Jamilu Kabiru, Nuhu Madaki, Ibrahim Aliyu, Ogwuche Linus, Chibuike Anyika, Okechukwu Ironkwe, Godwin Adoga, Agada John, Onuoha Goodness, Mahrazu Bichi, and Tobias Obechina.

According to the plaintiffs, they emerged from substitution primaries conducted after initial candidates withdrew. Their names were set to be uploaded following the ADC’s main primaries, whose candidates’ names were submitted by August 11, 2025. The 17th plaintiff, Onuoha Goodness, was nominated as vice chairman for the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Court documents revealed that the ADC attempted to upload the required Forms EC9 and EC13 but was denied portal access. Correspondence showed INEC rejected the substitution notification, citing unrecognized signatures of the current party leadership, Chairman Senator David Mark and Secretary Rauf Aregbesola. INEC stated the submission was tied to the access code of the prior chairman.

A follow-up letter from the party’s lawyer, Kalu Agu, seeking access was also refused. The plaintiffs alleged in their suit that INEC was “hell-bent” on blocking their participation in the election.

With the court’s judgment, INEC is now compelled to publish the list and provide the candidates access to the portal for compliance.