SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT: Setting The Record Straight on my Candidature

My attention has been drawn to reports and commentaries circulating in the public space suggesting that the recent Supreme Court judgment has disqualified me from the 2027 electoral contest. I consider it necessary to set the record straight and reassure the people that my candidature is anchored on the law and the established electoral process, not on speculation or social media interpretations.

For the avoidance of doubt, I moved from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and I obtained the PDP ticket through a process recognised by law. I did not obtain the PDP ticket because of any court judgment. My decision to move from APC to PDP and my subsequent emergence with the PDP ticket were based on the provisions of the law governing political parties, membership, nomination, and substitution.

The law provides recognised procedure through which a political party may produce or replace its candidate. Where a candidate withdraws, the withdrawal must be properly documented, while the political party is required to comply with the applicable electoral requirements in presenting a replacement to INEC. Where a fresh or replacement primary is required, that process must equally comply with the law and applicable INEC guidelines.

Therefore, my PDP ticket did not arise from the Appeal Court judgment that invalidated certain sections of the Electoral Law; 77(5,6,7) 84(2), whereby today the Supreme Court has overturned. The recent judgment should consequently not be presented as an automatic declaration of disqualification against me without reference to the specific facts and legal circumstances of my candidature.

I have repeatedly made it clear that when I made the decision to contest on the platform of another political party, there were specific legal steps that had to be followed. I needed to secure the ticket of another political party legally and within the period permitted by law. 

That is what was pursued. My movement from APC to PDP and my emergence as the PDP candidate for Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency for 2027 General Election is in line with the provision of the electoral act that the Supreme Court judgment today has validated.

I therefore urge the general public, my constituents, supporters, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the fake news and misleading reports claiming that I have been disqualified from the 2027 election. Such reports are false and should be discountenanced in its entirety.

For the avoidance of doubt, I remain the PDP candidate for the Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election. My candidature remains anchored on the law and the established electoral process, and I remain focused on continuing to serve and represent the good people of Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency.

Rep. Bassey Akiba

Member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency

September 26, 2026