Court Rules INEC Cannot Disqualify Candidates in Nigeria

On November 14, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not have the constitutional authority to disqualify candidates whose names have been submitted by political parties. This ruling came during a case concerning Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ogun State, whose name was omitted from INEC's candidate list published on October 10, 2026.

Justice Lifu ordered INEC to reinstate Adebutu's name within 24 hours, declaring the removal unlawful and unconstitutional. The court found that INEC had violated Adebutu's right to fair hearing by excluding him without giving him an opportunity to respond.

The judge emphasized that only the Federal High Court or State High Court has the authority to disqualify a candidate after nomination. The case was initiated by the PDP and Adebutu after INEC ignored their request to reverse the decision.