The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday commenced hearing in a suit seeking to halt the conduct of the 2026/2027 local government elections in Oyo State.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the case, directed the plaintiff to serve the originating summons on the defendants, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 10, 2026, for a report on the service of the court processes on the defendants.
The suit was filed by Ogbomoso-based businessman and politician, Akinloye Oyeniyi, through his counsel, Ayo Omoleaupen.
Oyeniyi is challenging parts of OYSIEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the forthcoming council elections, particularly provisions relating to the verification and screening of candidates.
In the originating summons, the plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether OYSIEC’s constitutional powers under Sections 1(1) and 7(1), Paragraph 4(a), Part II of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, are restricted to the verification of documents submitted by political parties for nominated candidates.
He is also seeking a determination on whether the commission has the authority to conduct what it describes as the “verification/screening of candidates.”
The plaintiff is specifically challenging Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable issued on March 4, 2026, arguing that the provisions are inconsistent with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
According to Oyeniyi, the disputed provisions infringe on his constitutional rights to contest elections and vote for candidates of his choice.
He is therefore asking the court to declare that OYSIEC’s constitutional responsibility is limited to verifying documents submitted by political parties in respect of nominated candidates.
He is further seeking a declaration that OYSIEC lacks the power to verify or screen chairmanship and councillorship candidates, including substituted candidates.
Among the reliefs sought by the plaintiff is an order restraining INEC from releasing the certified register of voters for Oyo State to OYSIEC for use in the local government elections until Items 6 and 9 of the revised timetable are removed or cancelled.
Oyeniyi is also asking the court to strike out the two items on the grounds that they contravene the Constitution and Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The plaintiff argued that allowing the elections to proceed under the disputed timetable could adversely affect his interests.
In an affidavit filed in support of the originating summons, Oyeniyi maintained that the defendants would suffer no injustice if the court granted the reliefs being sought.
He argued that granting the application would promote the rule of law and strengthen democratic processes.
“The Defendants/Respondents will not lose anything by the grant of this application,” he stated.
He added that the balance of convenience was in his favour and argued that any violation of the Constitution and Electoral Act by the defendants could not be adequately remedied through monetary damages.
Oyeniyi further maintained that granting the reliefs would not prejudice the interests of the defendants.
