Urges INEC to remain impartial
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat in the 2027 general elections, Dr. Ibrahim Ado Iliyasu, has served a pre-action notice on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the leadership of the party over what he described as the alleged unlawful withdrawal of his mandate.
The move is aimed at challenging the disputed mandate through legal means, with the FCT Senate hopeful insisting that the action was taken in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and established democratic principles.
Dr Iliyasu submitted the pre-action notices at the headquarters of both INEC and the NDC in Abuja on Thursday.
Addressing journalists shortly after the submission, he stressed that the pre-action notice should not be interpreted as an act of confrontation but rather as a demonstration of his confidence in the rule of law and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
According to him, the legal process became necessary following what he described as an unlawful interference with the mandate freely given to him by delegates and party members during the party’s nomination process.
“The people of Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, AMAC and Bwari spoke clearly. The party affirmed it. Yet, in a manner that offends our Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, that mandate was taken away. We are here today to recover it through lawful channels,” he said.
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The Senate candidate urged INEC to remain an impartial electoral umpire in handling the matter, while calling on the leadership of the NDC to uphold the party’s constitution, respect internal democratic processes and protect the mandate allegedly conferred on him by party members.
He maintained that his decision to seek judicial intervention was driven by his belief that constitutional democracy can only thrive where the rule of law is respected and internal party processes are not undermined.
Dr Iliyasu, who expressed appreciation to his supporters, expressed confidence that the legal process would ultimately produce justice.
He has also repeatedly advocated greater political inclusion for Abuja South, arguing that equitable representation would guarantee balanced development and strengthen unity across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Speaking on behalf of the campaign, former Special Adviser to the Senate President and spokesperson, Alhaji A. I. Abdulmalik, disclosed that Dr. Iliyasu’s legal team had already initiated all necessary steps to challenge the disputed mandate through the appropriate legal channels.
