INEC Seeks Dismissal of Atiku's Suit Against Tinubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has filed a request to dismiss a suit brought by Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which seeks to disqualify President Bola Tinubu from contesting the 2027 Presidential election. INEC argues that the suit is an abuse of court process and lacks reasonable cause of action.

In its counter-affidavit submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja, INEC stated that Atiku lacks the legal standing (locus standi) to bring the matter before the court. Ayuba Mohammed, an Administrative Officer in INEC's Litigation and Prosecution Department, emphasized that INEC does not nominate candidates for political parties and does not verify the authenticity of documents submitted by candidates.

The counter-affidavit also clarified that mere allegations of forgery do not automatically trigger disqualification under section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution without proof.