Court Orders INEC to List Arobo as APC Candidate Within 48 Hours

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.

The ruling follows a legal battle over the party’s candidate for the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, held that Arobo was the valid winner of the APC primary election. The court ruled that the party’s decision to replace him with another aspirant, Emmanuel Adelegbe, was irregular, unlawful, and had no legal standing.

Court Faults APC’s Nomination Process

According to the court, the APC failed to provide a valid return from the primary election. Justice Lifu described the evidence presented by the party as inconsistent and unreliable, adding that the APC acted as a “tainted witness” during the proceedings.

On the other hand, the judge found the evidence submitted by Arobo, along with reports from INEC officials who monitored the primary election, to be credible, consistent, and unchallenged.

Based on those findings, the court directed INEC to immediately upload Arobo’s name to its nomination portal within the stipulated 48-hour period.

Arobo Welcomes Judgment

Reacting to the ruling, Arobo thanked the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and pledged to run an issue-driven campaign centred on unity, development, and effective representation for the people of Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.

He also called on INEC to comply with the court’s order without delay to avoid disrupting the electoral process.

Arobo further urged the APC, its supporters, and other political stakeholders to respect the judgment and avoid actions that could create tension ahead of the election.

Implications for APC

The judgment is expected to influence the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections in the constituency, reinforcing the importance of transparent primary elections and strict adherence to due process in selecting party candidates.

The ruling also serves as another reminder that courts remain a key avenue for resolving disputes arising from party primaries before general elections.