The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Husseini Baba Yusuf, has inaugurated the FCT Area Council Election Appeal Tribunal at the High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The tribunal, established as an appellate body to resolve disputes arising from FCT Area Council elections, comprises Sulieman Belgore, Maryam Hassan, and Aliyu Shafa. Its mandate covers electoral disputes in the upcoming February 21 elections, ensuring they are addressed fairly, promptly, and according to the law.
In a keynote address on Wednesday, Baba Yusuf described the inauguration as a “solemn constitutional moment”, crucial for grassroots democratic governance and public confidence in the judiciary. He highlighted the tribunal’s responsibility to maintain impartiality, uphold the right to fair hearing, and ensure the integrity of proceedings.
Decisions must be legally grounded, transparent, and free from partisan or public pressure. “Area councils form the closest tier of government to the people,” Baba Yusuf said. “Electoral disputes at this level must be handled credibly and peacefully. Mishandling these cases could threaten social cohesion and public trust.”
He reminded tribunal members that “election litigation is not war by other means,” urging parties and counsel to present their cases responsibly. The public, he added, should allow the tribunal to function without intimidation, threats, or misinformation, as the courts remain the proper avenue for redress.
Baba Yusuf concluded by reiterating that the tribunal operates within the constitutional and electoral framework to safeguard the credibility of local governance. Members were urged to base their rulings on “properly pleaded issues, admissible and credible evidence” and to follow “binding legal principles,” ensuring decisions remain fair, transparent, and consistent with the law.