ABUJA, Nigeria — A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit 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 Kebbi State election.
The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Justice M. G. Umar, who ruled that the plaintiff, Abdulrazak Isa Iko, failed to establish that he participated in the ADC governorship primary election, thereby lacking the legal standing required to challenge its outcome.
According to the court, the plaintiff did not provide sufficient evidence to prove he was a contestant in the party’s primary, a requirement under Nigerian electoral law for anyone seeking to question the conduct or outcome of a party’s nomination process.
Justice Umar held that having failed to establish his legal standing, the plaintiff had no right to institute the suit. The court subsequently found no basis to consider the substantive issues raised in the case and dismissed the action in its entirety.
The ruling effectively clears the legal obstacle to Malami’s candidacy, allowing him to remain the ADC’s governorship flag bearer in Kebbi State as political parties continue preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The case had sought to invalidate Malami’s nomination, but the court maintained that only individuals who can demonstrate direct participation in a political party’s primary election are entitled to challenge the conduct of that exercise before the courts.
Legal observers say the judgment reinforces established judicial principles on locus standi, emphasizing that courts will not entertain election-related disputes filed by individuals who cannot prove they have a direct legal interest in the matter.
The decision is expected to strengthen Malami’s position within the ADC in Kebbi State, while allowing the party to continue its preparations for the forthcoming governorship contest without the uncertainty created by the legal challenge.
Although the Federal High Court has resolved the matter at this stage, the plaintiff retains the constitutional right to appeal the judgment if dissatisfied with the decision. Until any higher court rules otherwise, however, Abubakar Malami remains the duly recognized ADC governorship candidate for Kebbi State in the 2027 election.
