COURT SETS SEPTEMBER 10 FOR OYO LG ELECTION DISPUTE AS HEARING BEGINS

The Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced proceedings on a suit seeking to stop the conduct of the 2026 local government elections in Oyo State.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the case, directed the plaintiff to serve the originating summons on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, which were listed as defendants in the suit.

The court subsequently fixed September 10, 2026, for a report on the service of the originating summons on the two electoral bodies.

The case was instituted by Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi through his lawyer, Ayo Omoleaupen, challenging certain aspects of the electoral arrangements for the proposed Oyo State local government elections.

Among the reliefs being sought by the plaintiff is a declaration that INEC's constitutional responsibility is restricted to verifying the documents of candidates nominated by political parties in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The plaintiff is also asking the court to declare that OYSIEC does not have the authority to verify or screen candidates contesting for chairmanship and councillorship positions, including candidates who are substituted by their political parties.

Another major request before the court is an order preventing INEC from releasing the certified voters' register for Oyo State to OYSIEC for use in the local government elections.

The plaintiff wants the order to remain in place pending the cancellation or annulment of Items 6 and 9 contained in OYSIEC's revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026/2027 local government elections.

The suit could potentially affect preparations for the proposed council elections if the court grants any of the reliefs being requested.

However, no final order stopping the elections has been issued by the court at this stage. The case is still at the preliminary stage, with the defendants expected to respond to the claims as proceedings continue.

The next major development in the case is expected on September 10, when the court will receive a report on whether the originating summons has been properly served on INEC and OYSIEC.

The outcome of the legal challenge could determine whether some aspects of the existing electoral timetable and procedures for the Oyo State local government elections will remain in place.