Court Begins Hearing on Suit to Halt Oyo LG Elections

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday opened proceedings in a case seeking to stop the conduct of the 2026/2027 local government elections in Oyo State.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, directed the plaintiff, businessman and politician Akinloye Oyeniyi, to serve the originating summons on the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The case was adjourned until September 10, 2026, for a report on service.

Oyeniyi, represented by counsel Ayo Omoleaupen, is challenging aspects of OYSIEC’s revised election timetable, particularly its plan to verify and screen candidates. He argues that the commission’s powers under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2026, are limited to verifying documents submitted by political parties, not screening candidates themselves.

The suit specifically contests Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s timetable issued on March 4, 2026, claiming they infringe on his constitutional right to contest and vote for candidates of his choice. Among the reliefs sought are:

A declaration that OYSIEC cannot screen chairmanship or councillorship candidates.

An order restraining INEC from releasing the voters’ register to OYSIEC until the disputed timetable provisions are removed.

The cancellation of the contested items on grounds of inconsistency with the Constitution and Electoral Act.

In his affidavit, Oyeniyi maintained that granting the reliefs would uphold the rule of law without prejudicing the defendants. He argued that any violation of constitutional provisions could not be remedied by damages and insisted that the balance of convenience favours his application.

The case will resume in September, with the court expected to determine whether OYSIEC exceeded its constitutional mandate in preparing for the forthcoming council polls.

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