Court orders INEC to recognise APC candidate in Owo/Ose poll

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload the name of Barrister Ghani Arobo as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency within 48 hours.

Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, held that Arobo was the valid winner of the APC primary election and ruled that the party acted unlawfully by replacing his name with another aspirant.

The court found that the APC’s National Working Committee improperly substituted Arobo with Emmanuel Adelegbe despite the outcome of the primary election.

Justice Lifu faulted the party’s handling of the nomination process, stating that the APC failed to present a valid return from the primary and described the evidence it tendered as inconsistent and unreliable.

The judge further held that the party’s conduct undermined the credibility of its case, describing the APC as a “tainted witness.”

In contrast, the court accepted the evidence presented by Arobo and INEC, noting that the electoral commission, which monitored the primary election, provided credible and consistent testimony that remained unchallenged during the proceedings.

Consequently, the court directed INEC to immediately upload Arobo’s name to its nomination portal as the APC’s lawful candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency within 48 hours.

Reacting to the judgment, Arobo welcomed the ruling, commending the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and internal democracy.

He pledged to run an issue-based campaign centred on development and unity if recognised as the party’s candidate.

Arobo also urged INEC to comply promptly with the court order and appealed to the APC and other political stakeholders to respect the judgment in the interest of a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The ruling is expected to shape the APC’s preparations for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency election, while reinforcing the courts’ stance on due process in party primaries and candidate nominations.