The Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, has restrained Jonathan Akuns from presenting himself as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election.
Justice S.T. Ishaya issued the order on September 28, 2026, following an ex parte application filed by Alfred Dapal, a governorship aspirant who challenged the party’s nomination process.
The case, marked FHC/J/CS/87/2026, listed Jonathan Akuns as the first defendant, the NDC as the second defendant and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the third defendant.
In the interim order, Justice Ishaya directed Akuns not to “announce, publish or otherwise present himself” as the NDC governorship candidate for Plateau State until the court hears and determines the case.
The dispute arose from the party’s governorship nomination exercise held on September 15 at the NDC secretariat in Dogon Karfe, Jos North Local Government Area.
Dapal told the court that he emerged as the candidate produced by the party during the exercise. He therefore asked the court to restrain the NDC, its officials and agents from replacing, withdrawing or removing his name as the party’s candidate pending the determination of the suit.
He also sought an order preventing the NDC from submitting Akuns’ name to INEC as its governorship candidate.
In addition, Dapal asked the court to stop INEC from “accepting, recognising, publishing or acting” on Akuns’ name as the NDC candidate for the Plateau State governorship election.
The plaintiff further requested that all parties maintain the position that existed immediately after the September 15 nomination exercise until the case was finally determined.
He also urged the court to expedite the hearing because of statutory deadlines governing pre-election matters.
After considering the application, Justice Ishaya ruled that it had succeeded in part and adjourned the case until October 5, 2026, for hearing.
The order was issued under the seal of the Federal High Court and released by the court’s Registrar, Chioma A. Eze.
The court’s order does not represent a final decision on who will hold the NDC governorship ticket in Plateau State. The competing claims arising from the party’s nomination process will still be considered as the case proceeds.
The development comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the dispute now awaiting further hearing before the Federal High Court in Jos.
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