The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing a major legal challenge over its primary elections in Kano State, as aggrieved aspirants seek judicial intervention to nullify the exercise and compel the party to conduct fresh primaries.
The suit, filed before the Federal High Court, was instituted by five members of the party, including governorship aspirant Mukhtar Muhammad. The other plaintiffs are Shuaib Abubakar Fagge, Mustapha Salisu Musa (Fanandas), Musa Hudu Yusuf and Mahfuz Yahuza.
At the heart of the dispute are allegations that the party failed to comply with the Electoral Act, its constitution and guidelines governing the conduct of primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The plaintiffs are challenging the primaries held on May 28, 2026, for the governorship, House of Representatives and Kano State House of Assembly seats, arguing that the process was marred by irregularities that undermined its legitimacy.
According to court documents, the aspirants alleged that the sale and distribution of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms were unlawfully delegated to an individual, a move they said gave one party member undue control over who could obtain forms and participate in the primaries.
They contended that the arrangement violated both statutory and party regulations, insisting that the responsibility for issuing nomination forms rests solely with the party and cannot be transferred to any individual.
The plaintiffs further claimed that no valid primary election was conducted, alleging that there was no proper accreditation of delegates or members, voting process, vote counting or collation of results as required by law.
They also maintained that despite being qualified members of the party, they were denied nomination forms and excluded from participating in the governorship, House of Representatives and State Assembly primaries in Fagge, Tarauni and Gwale constituencies.
As part of the reliefs sought, the aspirants are asking the court to nullify all NDC primaries conducted in Kano State on May 28, including those for governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly positions.
They are also seeking an order setting aside the Certificate of Return issued to Aminu Suleiman Goro as the party’s candidate for Fagge Federal Constituency and restraining him from presenting himself as the party’s flag bearer pending the conduct of fresh primaries.
The suit further requests injunctions preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising, publishing or acting on the names of candidates produced through the disputed exercise.
In addition, the plaintiffs want the court to compel the NDC to organise fresh primaries for the affected constituencies in strict compliance with the Electoral Act and the party’s internal regulations.
The lead plaintiff is also demanding a refund of the ₦2 million allegedly paid for nomination forms and ₦200 million in general and exemplary damages for alleged breach of contract and denial of the opportunity to contest.
Filed by counsel Moses Ademola Falana of Nayara Legal Consult, the case is expected to test the legality of the NDC’s candidate selection process in Kano and could have significant implications for the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.