The Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced hearing a suit seeking to stop the conduct of the 2026 local government elections in Oyo State….
The Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced hearing a suit seeking to stop the conduct of the 2026 local government elections in Oyo State.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the matter, ordered the plaintiff to serve the originating summons on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), 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 commissions.
The suit was filed by Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi through his counsel, Ayo Omoleaupen, challenging aspects of the electoral process for the proposed Oyo State local government elections.
Among other reliefs, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration that INEC’s constitutional responsibility is limited to the verification of documents of candidates nominated by political parties in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.
He is also asking the court to declare that OYSIEC lacks the power to verify or screen chairmanship and councillorship candidates, including substituted candidates, citing provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The plaintiff is further seeking an order restraining INEC from releasing the certified register of voters for Oyo State to OYSIEC for use in the local government elections.
He wants the court to make the order pending the cancellation or annulment of Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026/2027 local government elections.
The defendants are expected to respond to the claims as the court proceeds with the matter.
