FALANA, ADAMS WARN OF ONE-CANDIDATE PRESIDENTIAL POLL IN 2027 AS INEC FACES BACKLASH OVER ADC CRISIS

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams have warned that judicial interference in political party affairs could result in Nigeria having only one presidential candidate in the 2027 election.

The warning comes amid growing controversy after the Independent National Electoral Commission derecognised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress over the party’s dispute, following a Court of Appeal ruling.

Falana criticised court orders destabilising parties and cited INEC’s derecognition of factions of the ADC. Adams accused those in power of using the judiciary to suppress opposition, saying the country was drifting towards a one-party system. Meanwhile, INEC also faced criticism from opposition figures and leaders of the ADC for delisting the party leadership, including National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola.

They called for the immediate removal of the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. However, in a swift reaction, the electoral umpire dismissed the calls for Amupitan’s removal.

In a separate development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The assets, valued at about N213.2 billion and located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states, are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. An interim forfeiture order was granted on January 8, 2026.