A Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced proceedings in a suit seeking to halt the planned 2026/2027 local government elections in Oyo State.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided on the matter on Tuesday, directed the plaintiff to serve the originating summons on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC.
The suit was instituted by an Ogbomosho-based businessman and politician, Akinloye Oyeniyi, who is challenging aspects of OYSIEC’s timetable for the local government elections.
Oyeniyi, through his counsel, Ayo Omoleaupen, is asking the court to determine whether OYSIEC’s constitutional responsibility extends beyond verifying documents submitted by political parties to screening candidates contesting for chairmanship and councillorship positions.
The plaintiff is particularly challenging Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable issued on March 4, 2026, arguing that the provisions are inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The plaintiff is, therefore, seeking an order compelling OYSIEC to withdraw or cancel the disputed provisions and restraining INEC from releasing the certified voters’ register for the election until the alleged irregularities are addressed.
The plaintiff also contends that allowing the election to proceed under the disputed timetable could adversely affect his interests and infringe the rights of voters and political aspirants.
MUST READ:INEC Begins Display of Preliminary Voters Register in Oyo Ahead of 2027 Elections
In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, Oyeniyi argued that granting the reliefs would not cause injustice to the respondents but would promote adherence to the Constitution, the rule of law and democratic principles.
Justice Egwuatu adjourned the case to September 10, 2026, for a report on service of the originating summons on INEC and OYSIEC.
(Follow AIT News on WhatsApp, AfricaIndependentTV on YouTube, ait_online on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter), and officialait on TikTok, Instagram and Threads)
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
