El tribunal destituye a Ondo Rep como candidato del APC .

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Abdugani Arobo is the duly elected candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in Ondo State, overturning the selection of Timehin Adeleye. The ruling came on Wednesday after the court found that the APC had failed to properly submit Adeleye's candidacy and that the evidence presented by the party contained inconsistencies. The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include Arobo’s name in its electoral database for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The dispute began when Adeleye, who had been chosen by the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) as the party’s candidate for the constituency, challenged the decision in court. Arobo, who had emerged victorious in the APC’s internal primary election held on May 16, 2026, argued that he should be recognized as the official nominee. His case gained traction among APC members and local chieftains, who expressed dissatisfaction with the NWC’s initial choice. The court ultimately sided with Arobo, citing his higher vote tally in the primary election. According to the court’s judgment, Arobo received 7,959 votes in Owo Local Government Area and 2,583 votes in Ose Local Government Area during the primary. These figures were deemed sufficient to establish him as the rightful candidate under the party’s rules. The court emphasized that Adeleye’s nomination did not meet the legal requirements for submission to INEC, thereby invalidating his status as the APC’s official representative for the constituency. Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the case, issued a binding order requiring both the APC and INEC to recognize Arobo as the sole candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency. The court also mandated that INEC immediately reopen its portal to allow the upload of Arobo’s name into the electoral system. Additionally, the court imposed a perpetual injunction preventing the APC or any of its affiliated bodies from acknowledging or supporting any other candidate for the constituency. The ruling has sparked mixed reactions within the political landscape of Ondo State. While some APC members have accepted the court’s decision, others remain unconvinced, arguing that the process lacked transparency. Local leaders have called for dialogue between the APC and its grassroots supporters to resolve lingering tensions. Meanwhile, INEC officials have stated they will comply with the court’s directive and proceed with the necessary administrative steps to ensure Arobo’s inclusion in the electoral rolls. This development comes amid broader discussions around the conduct of upcoming elections in Nigeria. Reports indicate that over 15,000 personnel will be deployed to monitor the Osun State gubernatorial election, highlighting the heightened scrutiny being placed on electoral processes nationwide. Other recent court rulings have also addressed challenges to electoral laws, underscoring the ongoing legal battles surrounding Nigeria’s democratic framework. As the court’s order takes effect, the focus will shift to the practical implications of Arobo’s recognition. Political analysts suggest that this outcome could influence the dynamics of the 2027 general elections, particularly in Ondo State, where the APC’s performance in previous contests has been scrutinized. The party is expected to issue formal statements addressing the court’s decision and outlining its next steps in preparing for the upcoming polls. For now, the legal battle appears to have reached its conclusion, leaving Arobo poised to represent the APC in the race for the Owo/Ose constituency.