A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the candidacy of Timehin Adeleye, the current House of Representatives member for Owo/Ose federal constituency in Ondo State, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The court declared Abdugani Arobo as the rightful All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, citing irregularities in the party's primary election process.
Judgment Details and Court Orders
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the landmark judgment on Wednesday, August 5, ruling that the APC failed to make a lawful return of its candidate. The court found that evidence presented by the party was "riddled with inconsistencies," as reported by The Punch. The ruling party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were named as defendants in the suit.
The court issued a perpetual injunction barring both the APC and INEC from recognising or dealing with any other person as the candidate for the Owo/Ose constituency seat. Additionally, INEC was directed to reopen its portal to upload Arobo's name as the APC's duly nominated candidate for the 2027 election.
Background of the Dispute
The legal battle began when the APC's national working committee (NWC) forwarded Adeleye's name to INEC as the party's candidate. This decision was met with open opposition from several APC members and chieftains in Ondo State. Arobo subsequently filed a legal challenge against the NWC's choice, arguing that he had won the party's primary election.
Justice Lifu declared that Arobo was the rightful winner of the primary election held on May 16, 2026. According to the court, Arobo secured 7,959 votes in Owo Local Government Area and 2,583 votes in Ose Local Government Area, giving him the highest number of lawful votes cast.
Court's Declaration and Impact
The judgement read: "The plaintiff, having scored the highest lawful votes cast at the primary election held on the 16th day of May, 2026, with a total of 7,959 votes in Owo Local Government Area and 2,583 votes in Ose Local Government Area respectively, is the only aspirant whose name can be lawfully forwarded to the second defendant as its nominated candidate for the seat of the House of Representatives, representing the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency."
Both the APC and INEC were further ordered to "forthwith accept, recognise, support, relate and deal with only the plaintiff, as winner of the House of Representatives election for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency." This ruling effectively reshapes the political landscape in Ondo State ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reactions and Political Context
The development comes amid broader political shifts in Ondo State. In related news, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko recently joined the APC, leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mimiko, who governed the state from 2009 to 2016, said he made the move to support President Bola Tinubu's efforts to move the country forward.
Political analysts note that the court's decision could have ripple effects on party unity and candidate selection processes across Nigeria. The ruling underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring electoral integrity and adherence to party guidelines.
