The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing a major legal challenge in Kano State after a group of aggrieved aspirants approached the Federal High Court seeking the nullification of the party’s primary elections conducted ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The plaintiffs, including governorship aspirant Mukhtar Muhammad, alongside Shuaib Abubakar Fagge, Mustapha Salisu Musa (Fanandas), Musa Hudu Yusuf and Mahfuz Yahuza, are contesting the validity of the primaries held on May 28, 2026, alleging breaches of the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution and its electoral guidelines.

In the suit filed before the Federal High Court, the aspirants argued that the process leading to the primaries was fundamentally flawed. They alleged that the sale and distribution of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms were unlawfully delegated to an individual, thereby denying qualified party members equal access to contest for elective positions.

According to the court documents, the plaintiffs maintained that the arrangement enabled a single party member to determine who obtained nomination forms and participated in the primaries, contrary to established legal and party provisions.

They further claimed that no valid primary election was conducted, alleging that the exercise lacked proper accreditation of delegates, voting procedures, vote counting and collation as required by law.

The aspirants told the court that despite being eligible members of the party, they were denied nomination forms and excluded from participating in the governorship, House of Representatives and Kano State House of Assembly primaries covering Fagge, Tarauni and Gwale constituencies.

The plaintiffs are seeking declarations that the party violated its constitutional and statutory obligations by denying them a fair opportunity to contest and failing to provide a level playing field for aspirants.

Among the reliefs sought are orders nullifying all NDC primaries conducted in Kano State on May 28, including the governorship, House of Representatives and State Assembly contests.

They are also asking the court to set aside the Certificate of Return issued to Aminu Suleiman Goro as the party’s candidate for Fagge Federal Constituency and restrain him from presenting himself as the party’s candidate pending the conduct of fresh primaries.

The suit further seeks injunctions preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or acting on the names of candidates produced through the disputed primaries.

The plaintiffs are also requesting an order compelling the NDC to conduct fresh primaries in the affected constituencies in compliance with the Electoral Act and the party’s guidelines.

In addition, the lead plaintiff is demanding a refund of the ₦2 million allegedly paid for nomination forms, as well as ₦200 million in general and exemplary damages for alleged breach of contract and denial of the opportunity to participate in the primaries.

Filed by counsel Moses Ademola Falana of Nayara Legal Consult, the suit is expected to test the legality of the NDC’s candidate selection process in Kano and could shape the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.