INEC Calls Atiku's Suit Against Tinubu an Abuse of Process

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that the lawsuit filed by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), against President Bola Tinubu's eligibility for the 2027 presidential election constitutes an abuse of court process. INEC's objection and counter-affidavit, filed by Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, argue that Atiku's suit fails to disclose a reasonable cause of action and should be dismissed.

INEC asserts that Atiku lacks the locus standi to bring the matter before the court, labeling the suit as hypothetical and academic. The commission clarified that it does not nominate candidates for political parties nor does it verify the authenticity of the credentials submitted by candidates.

INEC's counter-affidavit, deposed by Ayuba Mohammed, an Administrative Officer, emphasizes that the mere receipt of documents does not imply a judicial determination of their authenticity. Atiku's suit seeks to disqualify Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election based on various eligibility grounds.