The Supreme Court of Nigeria recently ruled in favor of Joshua Ishaku, declaring him the official candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 chairmanship election of the Bwari Area Council. This decision came as a result of a split ruling by the court, wherein Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur delivered the lead judgment that overturned an earlier majority ruling of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had previously affirmed Haruna Audi as the party's candidate. The Supreme Court's decision was based on the assertion that Ishaku was denied a fair opportunity to be heard in the initial court proceedings.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court highlighted significant procedural irregularities in the handling of Ishaku's case by the appellate court, particularly emphasizing that the majority opinion incorrectly deemed Ishaku's suit as statute-barred. The court underscored that the principle of internal party affairs does not provide absolute protection, especially when the issues at hand extend past mere domestic party concerns. The ruling has broader implications for the governance and election processes within Nigerian political parties, especially regarding candidate selection.

The case marks a pivotal moment for the APC as it prepares for the upcoming local elections in Nigeria. With this ruling, Ishaku's position as the candidate is solidified, and it sets a precedent for future disputes concerning party nominations. The decision showcases the Supreme Court's commitment to upholding democratic principles and the right to a fair hearing, reinforcing the importance of due process within the electoral system.