Abuja Court Hears Suit Seeking to Halt Oyo State Local Government Elections
The brewing legal battle at the Federal High Court in Abuja that could stall the upcoming local government elections in Oyo State has been adjourned till September 10.
The adjournment is to enable the plaintiff to properly effect service of the originating processes on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).
Why is the Oyo LG Election Facing a Legal Halt?
The lawsuit was filed by Akinloye Oyeniyi, an Ogbomosho-based businessman and politician. Oyeniyi is challenging the legality of OYSIEC’s revised election timetable issued on March 4, 2026.
The core of the dispute centres on whether OYSIEC is overstepping its constitutional boundaries.
The plaintiff argues that the commission’s powers are strictly limited to verifying documents submitted by political parties, rather than independently screening candidates contesting for chairmanship and councillorship positions.
Details of the Oyo Election Dispute
The plaintiff is seeking constitutional interpretations of items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable. He contends that the p provisions violate the 1999 Constitution and Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Among his prayers is for the court order to compel OYSIEC to withdraw the disputed provisions and to restrain INEC from releasing the certified voters’ register until the irregularities are fixed.
The plaintiff alleges possible violation of his political rights and that of other candidates if the election proceeds under the current guidelines.
Justice Obiora Eguatu has adjourned to September 10, 2026, for a report on the service of the summons.
