A Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, has stopped Jonathan Akuns from presenting himself as governorship candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for 2027 election.
Justice S.T. Ishaya issued order September 28 after considering ex parte application filed by Alfred Dapal, governorship aspirant challenging party’s nomination process.
Case, marked FHC/J/CS/87/2026, has Mr Akuns as first defendant, NDC as second defendant and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as third defendant.
Judge ordered Mr Akuns not to announce, publish or otherwise present himself as NDC governorship candidate until court hears and determines case.
Mr Dapal told court he was candidate produced by NDC during governorship nomination exercise held September 15 at party’s secretariat in Dogon Karfe, Jos North LGA.
He is asking court to stop NDC, its officials and agents from replacing, withdrawing or removing him as party’s candidate until case is decided.
He also wants court to stop NDC from submitting Mr Akuns’ name to INEC as governorship candidate in his place.
Mr Dapal further asked court to prevent INEC from accepting, recognising, publishing or acting on Mr Akuns’ name as NDC candidate for Plateau State.
Another request seeks order directing all parties to maintain position that existed after September 15 nomination exercise until case is finally determined.
Plaintiff also asked for accelerated hearing because of statutory deadlines for pre-election cases.
Justice Ishaya ruled application had succeeded in part and adjourned case until October 5 for hearing.
Order was signed by judge and issued under seal of Federal High Court by Registrar, Chioma A. Eze.
Order does not amount to final decision on who should hold NDC governorship ticket in Plateau. Court will still consider competing claims arising from party’s nomination process.
