By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 30, 2026, for judgment in a suit filed by Abubakar Sadiq Saadu challenging his alleged replacement as an African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate.
The court heard arguments from lawyers representing the claimant and the defendants on Tuesday before adjourning for judgment.
The dispute centres on whether Sadiq withdrew from the electoral contest and whether the party could lawfully conduct a fresh primary to replace him.
Sadiq Denies Withdrawing From Contest
Through his counsel, Sadiq maintained that he had not withdrawn and argued that the party had no lawful basis to organise another primary to replace him.
He alleged that his signature and an affidavit had been forged to present his departure from the race as voluntary.
The claimant asked the court to determine the validity of the replacement process.
Defendants Dispute Claimant’s Position
Counsel for the defendants maintained that the claimant had withdrawn from the contest.
The defence also advanced an argument that he was not the winner of the primary conducted in May 2026, identifying another individual, named as Abubakar Sadiq Fakai, as the winner.
The competing arguments place both the claimed withdrawal and the outcome of the original primary before the court.
Earlier Order Directed Parties to Maintain Status Quo
The court had previously directed the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo pending determination of the matter.
Tuesday’s proceedings concluded with the court reserving judgment until November 30.
Nomination disputes have also featured in other preparations for the 2027 elections, including the court ruling that ordered a fresh PDP governorship primary in Gombe and Pantami’s subsequent victory in the rerun.
Related legal questions include party membership requirements for candidates, the challenge concerning the Kogi Central senatorial ticket and the dispute surrounding the Kogi West nomination.
The November judgment is expected to determine the issues raised by Sadiq and the defendants concerning the contested ADC replacement.
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