Court dismisses Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola and his deputy as APC candidates in July 16 elections

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja quashed the appointment of Governor Isiaka Oyetola and his candidate for Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi, on the grounds that Governor Mai Mala Buni, who submitted their names to INEC, violated the provisions of Article 183 of the Federal State Constitution. Republic of Nigeria and section 82(3) of the Elections Act 2022.

The verdict was delivered on Friday, September 30, in a complaint filed by party member Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) challenging the nomination and sponsorship of Governor Isiaka Oyetola and his deputy as duly nominated candidates of the All Progressives Congress. (APC).

In challenging the jurisdiction of the prosecution, Mr. Kunle Adegoke (SAN), who represented Governor Isiaka Oyetola, argued, among other grounds, that the plaintiff lacked the locus to bring the action and that the prosecution was barred .

In his opposing arguments, Ogunwumiju, who led Muyiwa Atoyebi SAN and Ademola Abimbola, argued that the plaintiff had rightly brought the suit under Section 285 (14) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 (as amended).

In rendering judgment in the case, the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, concurred with the submissions of plaintiff’s counsel and declared null and void the appointment of Governor Isiaka Oyetola and Benedict Alabi by the APC.

The court also ruled that Governor Mai Mala Buni acted in violation of the provision of Article 183 of the Constitution when he held a dual executive position as Governor of Yo e State and Chairman of the Interim Committee. APC National.

The court considered that the measures or decisions taken by Governor Mai Mala Buni, in particular the transmission of the names of Governors Isiaka Oyetola and Benedict Alabi to the INEC, constituted a legal nullity.

Governor Oyetola’s attorney, Adegoke, said his team would appeal the judgment.