Joseph Faduri, the presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) faction led by Kenneth Udeze, has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for refusing to recognize him as the party's official candidate for the 2027 election, citing conflicting court rulings and questioning the commission's impartiality. The dispute centers on competing claims to the party's leadership and the validity of its candidate nominations, with Faduri alleging that INEC has prioritized a Federal High Court ruling favoring rival faction leader Rufai Omo-Aje over decisions from the Court of Appeal that affirmed Udeze's leadership.
Faduri, who emerged as the Udeze-backed candidate after the AA's 2025 national convention, accused INEC of disregarding a Court of Appeal judgment that affirmed Udeze as the party's national chairman. He argued that the commission's recognition of Omo-Aje as the AA's candidate undermines the integrity of the 2027 election, stating, "Nigerians want a free and fair election. But if this process from the beginning seems to be a foul play, then how do they believe in an election where the umpire is already being biased?"
The leadership crisis within the AA has deepened after conflicting court decisions. In April 2025, the Court of Appeal in Makurdi dismissed an appeal challenging the validity of the AA's February 2025 national convention, while an earlier Abuja Court of Appeal ruling recognized Udeze as the party's national chairman. However, a September 2025 Federal High Court judgment in Osogbo, Osun State, favored Omo-Aje's faction, creating a legal stalemate over which leadership is legitimate.
Faduri, who has filed a court case to compel INEC to recognize his candidacy, also wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene. "We have a case in court to compel INEC. In fact, we have written to the Attorney-General of the Federation to also intervene in the matter, so that at the end of the day they can compel INEC to do the needful," he said. He expressed confidence that the dispute could be resolved before the election, emphasizing that INEC must comply with court orders to ensure a fair process.
INEC has not publicly responded to Faduri's allegations but has proceeded to recognize Omo-Aje as the AA's presidential candidate. The party submitted Omo-Aje's nomination to INEC in July 2026 following his emergence at the AA's presidential primary in May 2026. INEC included him in its final list of presidential candidates released this month, despite the ongoing legal challenges.
Faduri also distanced himself from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, stating that Obi is no longer on his political platform and should not be treated as the opposition's automatic candidate. He criticized Obi's reported stance that he would serve only one four-year term if elected, arguing, "When you look at Mr Obi’s arrangement, he said after four years he must leave. You are not the one to decide whether you should leave, let the people, the electorate that want to put you there, decide."
On policy, Faduri advocated for the restoration of fuel subsidies, stating, "All of them are saying today that they want to return fuel subsidy; that is what I’ve been saying. Now that they’re saying it, it’s okay, let’s return the fuel subsidy." He also called for increased government patronage of locally manufactured vehicles, particularly those produced by Nigerian companies like Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, to boost domestic industry and employment.
Faduri highlighted the need for improved public healthcare infrastructure, criticizing the practice of Nigerian leaders traveling abroad for medical treatment. "Our leaders go to Europe. They call it vacation, but we all know it’s medical treatment," he said. A licensed nurse in the U.S., he argued that investing in hospitals and ambulances would address systemic weaknesses in Nigeria's healthcare system.
He also criticized the high cost of political campaigns in Nigeria, stating that the financial demands of elections could deter qualified candidates. "Nigerian politics is so expensive that if we continue this way, we’re not going to get the best people to run our nation," Faduri said. He suggested that Nigerians in the diaspora could play a larger role in funding credible candidates if the electoral system allowed for greater participation.
Faduri's political journey began with the Labour Party, where he supported Peter Obi's 2023 presidential campaign. He organized fundraising efforts, raising over $500,000 from Obi's supporters in the U.S. and locally. After leaving the Labour Party due to internal disagreements, he joined the National Rescue Movement before aligning with the AA, citing the need for a credible opposition to the ruling establishment.
The AA's leadership dispute has drawn attention to the broader challenges facing Nigeria's political landscape. Faduri criticized many opposition parties as "stomach-vision parties" that fail to provide a genuine alternative to the ruling establishment. "Most of the political parties we have, many of them are not working to see a country moving forward," he said, emphasizing the need for parties that prioritize national progress over self-interest.
The conflict has raised concerns about the credibility of INEC, which is tasked with ensuring free and fair elections. Faduri's legal challenge underscores the risks of judicial fragmentation in political disputes, as conflicting court rulings create uncertainty for candidates and voters alike. Analysts warn that unresolved leadership crises could erode public trust in the electoral process.
Faduri's policies reflect a focus on economic and social reforms, including fuel subsidies, local manufacturing, and healthcare investment. His emphasis on reducing election costs and encouraging diaspora participation aligns with broader calls for political transparency and inclusivity. However, his shift from the Labour Party to the AA highlights the fluid nature of Nigeria's political alliances.
The 2027 election is shaping up as a pivotal moment for Nigeria, with the AA's internal conflict symbolizing the challenges of building a cohesive opposition. Faduri's legal battle with INEC and his policy proposals will likely influence the broader discourse on governance and reform. As the election approaches, the outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for the country's political stability.
The AA's leadership crisis also raises questions about the role of judicial oversight in political processes. While court rulings are meant to resolve disputes, conflicting decisions have instead deepened divisions within the party. This highlights the need for a more unified legal framework to address such conflicts in future elections.
Faduri's case underscores the broader issue of electoral integrity in Nigeria. With INEC at the center of this dispute, the commission's ability to act impartially will be critical to maintaining public confidence. The outcome of Faduri's legal challenge could set a precedent for how similar conflicts are handled in the future.
As the 2027 election looms, the AA's internal strife and Faduri's legal battle with INEC illustrate the complexities of Nigeria's political landscape. The resolution of these issues will be crucial in determining the credibility of the electoral process and the prospects for meaningful political change.
The source of this report is Premium Times, a Nigerian news outlet that covers politics, business, and social issues across the country.