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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload the name of Barrister Ghani Arobo as the lawful candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency within 48 hours.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that Arobo was the valid winner of the APC primary election, declaring the party's decision to replace him with another aspirant as unlawful, irregular and of no legal effect.
The court held that the APC's National Working Committee (NWC) acted improperly when it recognised Emmanuel Adelegbe as the party's candidate despite the outcome of the primary election.
Justice Lifu faulted the party for failing to present a lawful return from the primary, describing the evidence tendered by the APC as inconsistent and unreliable.
The judge, however, accepted the evidence presented by Arobo and INEC, which monitored the primary election, stating that their submissions were credible, consistent and remained unchallenged throughout the proceedings.
Consequently, the court directed INEC to immediately upload Arobo's name to its nomination portal as the APC's official candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency within the stipulated 48-hour period.
Reacting to the judgment, Arobo commended the judiciary for defending the rule of law and reaffirmed his commitment to conducting an issue-based campaign centred on unity, peace and development across the constituency.
He also appealed to INEC to comply promptly with the court's order to avoid unnecessary disruption to the electoral process.
The APC candidate further urged the party, its supporters and other political stakeholders to respect the judgment, avoid actions capable of heightening tensions and support a transparent electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
The ruling is expected to influence the APC's preparations for the forthcoming election in the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency while reinforcing the need for political parties to adhere strictly to internal democratic processes and due process in candidate nominations.
