Pratt challenges NDC candidate substitution.

In the affidavit, Pratt told the court that his inability to access INEC’s nomination portal had already begun causing him concrete harm.

“Because of this unlawful candidate swap, I am locked out of the official INEC nomination portal. I am suffering permanent, unrecoverable political and financial damage as I cannot print posters, mobilise structure, or launch my campaigns for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency,” he said.

He also pointed to INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections as evidence that the court needed to act without delay, warning that ballot papers could be printed with the substituted candidate’s name before any judgment was delivered.

“If this suit is not granted an expedited hearing immediately, the 3rd Respondent (INEC) will print final ballot papers using the name of the illegal candidate, which will render the final judgment of this Honourable Court completely useless,” he said. 

Pratt asked the court to declare the substitution illegal and void and to direct INEC to restore his name as the party’s candidate. He also urged the court to hear the matter on a day-to-day basis to avoid what he called “a complete miscarriage of justice.

INEC, NDC face Pratt’s legal challenge.

Pratt’s legal team is led by Ajose Abejoye. One of the firm’s lawyers, Kaosara Afariogun, stressed that the case was about more than one man’s candidacy.

“Honourable Pratt played by the rules and won fair and square. To see his dedication and the mandate of everyday people allegedly stolen by a secret political plot is unacceptable,” she said.

In a message to his supporters, Pratt said:

“My heart breaks not for myself, but for the beautiful, hardworking people of Lagos Mainland whose hopes were traded away in the dark.”

Enyi alleged that Chike had openly identified with the coalition and claimed that the vice-chancellor was recommended by Wike for the UNIPORT position.

He further alleged that Chike was “imposed” on the university by the former Rivers State governor.

Enyi said the alleged connection between the vice-chancellor and the coalition could be seen at the entrance of the university.

“To show the public that he is truly Wike’s product, at the entrance of the university, what you will see is the signpost of the VC with the caption, ‘Academia Rainbow Coalition of the Renewed Hope,’ with his picture on it,” he alleged.

The ADC spokesman further alleged that members of the Rainbow Coalition could be nominated as INEC returning officers for the election, Daily Voice reports.

“Those he will nominate as INEC returning officers for the election must be members of the coalition,” Enyi claimed.

He questioned the alleged activities of the vice chancellor ahead of the election, arguing that the process had not yet commenced but concerns were already being raised.

“It’s not even election time yet, but see what he is doing. During the election, all those who will be recommended are definitely going to come from the coalition,” he said.

Enyi challenged Professor Chike to demonstrate that the allegations against him were unfounded when the time came for the appointment of returning officers.

“Professor Chike, only God knows what you have come to do in Port Harcourt. Let us see those you will recommend. Let us see whether they will rig the election,” he added.

Mustapha said his resignation was prompted by recent developments within the Kwara State chapter of the APC, stressing that he did not take the decision lightly.

“Following careful consideration of the recent developments in the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, I have formally resigned my membership of the party in the state,” he stated.

The senator said he had engaged relevant stakeholders and constituents before deciding to leave the ruling party.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. It follows weeks of extensive consultations and engagements with relevant stakeholders, my supporters, constituents across Kwara Central Senatorial District, and well-meaning Kwarans,” he added.

Mustapha, who was elected to the Senate on the APC platform, said his political decisions had always been guided by his belief that politics should be centred on people, principles and purpose.

“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose.

“Where the path of a political platform no longer sufficiently aligns with these convictions and the aspirations of the people one represents, the honourable thing to do is to chart a new course,” he said.

He, however, thanked the APC leadership under President Bola Tinubu for the relationships and experiences he gained during his membership of the party.

“To the leadership of the APC ably led by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I express my deepest gratitude for the relationships and experiences I have been afforded over the years,” he stated.

The senator also assured his supporters, political associates and constituents that his resignation from the APC would not affect his commitment to representing them.

“To my constituents, supporters, political associates and stakeholders in Kwara State and beyond, I assure you that while my political platform may ch