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The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of aiding efforts to weaken opposition parties by allegedly granting a rival faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) access to its candidate nomination portal.

In a statement issued on Monday, Atiku’s media office claimed that Nafiu Bala Gombe, who lays claim to the ADC national chairmanship, announced on July 11 that he had successfully uploaded the names of candidates to INEC’s portal despite the commission’s recognition of the David Mark-led National Executive Committee.

The statement argued that granting portal access to Gombe was contrary to INEC’s own guidelines and the Electoral Act, insisting that only the leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark is legally recognised by the commission.

According to the media office, the electoral body has neither confirmed nor denied Gombe’s claim, a development it described as evidence of partisanship and an attempt to create confusion within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

The statement also accused INEC official Prof. Joash Amupitan of allegedly fuelling internal crises in opposition parties and advancing what it described as President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to weaken political opponents.

Citing Sections 222 of the 1999 Constitution and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the media office maintained that only candidates who emerge from recognised party primaries can be submitted to INEC, arguing that any nomination allegedly made by Gombe’s faction would be invalid.

It called on INEC to clarify the status of the alleged portal access and urged the commission to remain neutral in the management of political party affairs.

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INEC had yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

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The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed a Federal High Court judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any state congresses organised by committees appointed by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a decision that could jeopardise the 2027 presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a split decision delivered on Monday, a three-member panel of the appellate court upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, which barred the David Mark-led caretaker leadership from interfering with the tenure and functions of the party’s elected state executives.

Justice Okon Abang, who delivered the lead judgment, held that there was no basis to overturn the restraining order issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court on April 29. Justice Donatus Okorowo concurred with the majority decision, while Justice Abba Mohammed dissented, arguing that the matter was an internal affair of a political party and therefore not justiciable.

The appellate court agreed that the responsibility for conducting state congresses lies with duly elected state executive committees and not committees appointed by the party’s national caretaker leadership.

It consequently upheld the order restraining INEC from recognising any congresses conducted under the supervision of the David Mark-led caretaker committee and reaffirmed that the tenure of the ADC’s elected state executives remains valid until properly constituted congresses and a national convention are held.

The ruling stems from a suit filed by aggrieved members of the ADC, who challenged the caretaker committee’s decision to appoint committees to conduct state congresses, arguing that the move violated both the party’s constitution and the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The plaintiffs maintained that only duly elected party organs possess the constitutional authority to organise congresses and elect party officials, a position earlier upheld by the Federal High Court.

In affirming that judgment, the Court of Appeal held that the congresses and national convention organised by the David Mark-led leadership were conducted in disobedience to an existing court order and were therefore null and void.

Justice Abang, in the majority judgment, stated that although courts generally avoid interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, judicial intervention becomes necessary where constitutional or statutory violations are alleged.

“Once a complaint before the court is anchored on a constitutional infraction, the shield of internal affairs drops and the veil is lifted for judicial intervention,” the appellate court held.

The court further dismissed the appeal filed by the ADC and awarded a cost of ₦10 million against the party.

The judgment is expected to have significant political implications ahead of the 2027 general elections, as it raises fresh legal questions over the validity of candidates who emerged through processes conducted by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership, including the reported presidential candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Reacting to the judgment, the ADC, represented by its National Welfare Secretary, Nkem Ukandu, said the party would challenge the decision at the Supreme Court.

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria and Sierra Leone have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional integration following the formal presentation of Letters of Credence by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Ayo Luther Ogbomode, to President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown.

The presentation took place at the State House, where the Nigerian envoy conveyed the goodwill message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between both countries.

During the audience with President Bio, Ambassador Ogbomode extended President Tinubu’s warm greetings and best wishes to the Sierra Leonean leader.

She said, “Nigeria remains unwavering in its commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation and brotherhood that have historically united our two countries.”

The High Commissioner also congratulated President Bio on assuming the Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, expressing confidence in his ability to steer the regional bloc towards greater unity and progress.

“Nigeria has every confidence in your leadership and believes that under your stewardship, ECOWAS will continue to advance regional integration, democratic governance, economic prosperity, peace and collective security across West Africa”, she stated.

Responding, President Bio thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian government for their goodwill and continued support, while reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.

“Sierra Leone remains strongly committed to deepening bilateral relations with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, education, security cooperation, capacity building and regional integration”, he said.

President Bio described the relationship between the two countries as one built on a rich shared history, common values and mutual respect.

“Nigeria and Sierra Leone enjoy an excellent and enduring relationship founded on a shared history, common values and mutual respect”, he added.

Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Bio pledged to work closely with Nigeria in promoting regional peace, economic development and integration.

According to him, “As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, I remain committed to working closely with Nigeria in advancing regional stability, economic development and the collective aspirations of the peoples of West Africa.”

The Sierra Leonean leader also paid tribute to Nigeria for its role during his country’s civil war, acknowledging the sacrifices made in restoring peace and stability.

“The people and Government of Sierra Leone continue to hold Nigeria in the highest regard and remain deeply appreciative of the solidarity, leadership and assistance rendered during a critical period in our national history”, he said.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both countries to expanding cooperation, promoting regional peace and reinforcing the longstanding partnership that has defined relations between Nigeria and Sierra Leone over the years.