Oyo: A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until September 10, 2026, a suit seeking to halt the proposed Oyo State local government elections, with the plaintiff challenging the powers of the state electoral commission to screen candidates.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the date on Tuesday after directing businessman and politician Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi to serve the originating summons on the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The suit was filed by Oyeniyi, an Ogbomoso-based politician, through his counsel, Ayo Omoleaupen.
He is challenging aspects of OYSIEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities, particularly provisions relating to the verification and screening of candidates.
Oyeniyi wants the court to determine whether OYSIEC’s constitutional responsibility is limited to verifying documents submitted by political parties for nominated candidates or extends to the “verification/screening” of chairmanship, councillorship and substituted candidates.
He is relying on Sections 1(1) and 7(1), Paragraph 4(a) of Part II of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as well as Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
The plaintiff is also challenging Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable issued on March 4, arguing that they are inconsistent with the Constitution and Electoral Act.
According to him, the disputed provisions could infringe his right to contest and vote for candidates of his choice in the forthcoming council elections.
Among the reliefs sought is an order restraining INEC from releasing the certified voters’ register for Oyo State to OYSIEC for use in conducting the elections until the disputed provisions are cancelled or amended.
He is also asking the court to strike out or annul Items 6 and 9 of the revised timetable.
The case comes as OYSIEC pushes ahead with preparations for the local government poll across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas.
The commission initially fixed January 16, 2027, for the elections but later moved the date to December 29, 2026, following INEC’s decision to shift the presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027.
OYSIEC said the change was necessary to prevent an operational and logistical clash between the state and national electoral calendars.
The commission has since continued preparations for the December election, engaging political parties and security agencies as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.
In his affidavit, Oyeniyi argued that the defendants would suffer no injustice if the court granted his requests.
He maintained that the reliefs would help uphold the rule of law and strengthen democratic participation, adding that any violation of constitutional and electoral provisions could not adequately be compensated through damages.
The plaintiff’s action has not, however, resulted in an order cancelling or suspending the election.
For now, Justice Egwuatu has directed that the originating summons be served on OYSIEC and INEC, with the case returning on September 10 for a report on service.
The subsequent proceedings will determine whether the court will proceed to examine the substantive legal questions surrounding OYSIEC’s candidate verification process and the disputed timetable.
