A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared Barrister Ghani Arobo the lawful All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload his name to the nomination portal within 48 hours.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, ruled that Arobo validly won the APC primary election. The court held that the party's decision to replace him with another aspirant was unlawful and without legal effect.
The APC's National Working Committee (NWC) had recognised Emmanuel Adelegbe as the party's candidate for the constituency. However, the court found that the party failed to present a valid return from the primary election, describing its evidence as inconsistent and unreliable.
Justice Lifu also stated that the APC acted as a "tainted witness" in the case.
The judge accepted the evidence presented by Arobo and INEC, which monitored the primary election, describing it as credible, consistent and unchallenged.
The court subsequently ordered INEC to upload Arobo's name as the APC's official candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency within 48 hours.
Reacting to the ruling, Arobo welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for the rule of law. He said he remained committed to running an issue-based campaign centred on unity and development in the constituency.
He also urged INEC to comply with the court's order without delay and called on the APC and other political stakeholders to respect the judgment and avoid actions that could heighten political tensions.
