The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Husseini Yusuf, on Monday inaugurated the Area Council Election Tribunal ahead of the February 21, 2026, council elections.
Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, Yusuf described the inauguration as “a solemn constitutional moment” with significant implications for democratic governance at the grassroots.
“Today’s inauguration of the Area Council Election Tribunal is not a routine administrative exercise,” he said. “It is a solemn constitutional moment, bearing directly on the stability of democratic governance at the grassroots and on public confidence in the justice system.”
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The Chief Judge emphasised that area councils represent the level of government closest to the people and stressed that electoral disputes at this level must be resolved “promptly, fairly, and strictly in accordance with the law.”
“Where electoral disputes arise at this level, they must be resolved promptly, fairly, and strictly in accordance with the law; not by speculation, pressure, partisanship, or the sheer volume of public sentiments,” he said.
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Yusuf reminded tribunal members that election petitions are sui generis and subject to strict timelines, warning against allowing governance to be held hostage by prolonged litigation.
Chief Judge Urges Tribunal To Be Honest
“The tribunal being inaugurated today serves as a court of first instance for election disputes relating to the FCT Area Councils,” he said. “Its mandate is not to confer political advantage, validate public opinion, or serve as a battleground for partisan conflict.”
He directed the tribunal to base decisions on properly pleaded issues, credible evidence, and established legal principles.
“Where the law requires strict compliance, it must be strictly applied. Where discretion is granted, it must be exercised judiciously, transparently, and consistently,” he added.
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The Chief Judge urged tribunal members to resist all external influence, saying, “I therefore charge you to maintain strict impartiality in the hearing and determination of all petitions. Protect the sanctity of your oath of office.”
Yusuf also cautioned political actors, lawyers, and the public against attempts to intimidate the tribunal, noting that courts remain the proper channel for redress.
“Election litigation invites two particularly dangerous temptations: deciding what is politically convenient, or what is popularly demanded. You must yield to neither,” he warned.
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Lateef Abolaji was appointed chairman of the tribunal, while Malo Nadoma and Ugbede-ojo Abalaka were named as members.
The tribunal will handle disputes arising from the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
