A Federal High Court in Abuja has been approached by an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Mrs Abimbola Olawumi, to nullify the party’s primary election that resulted in Governor Biodun Oyebanji being chosen as the candidate for the 2026 Ekiti state governorship election. Olawumi’s legal team, led by O.A. Olawuyi, filed a suit against the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking four key reliefs.

The aspirant is challenging her disqualification by the APC during the screening exercise, which she claims was conducted without adhering to the provisions of Section 84(14) of the Electoral Act, 2022. Olawumi argues that her disqualification was unlawful, unconstitutional, and null and void, as she was initially cleared and is a bona fide member of the APC. She is seeking a declaration that she is entitled to participate in the party’s primary election for the nomination of its candidate for the Ekiti State Governorship Election.

Olawumi’s disqualification occurred on September 24, 2025, during the screening exercise conducted by the APC. She asserts that the procedure adopted by the party was arbitrary, contrary to fair hearing, and inconsistent with both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. The court is being asked to determine whether the APC’s actions were lawful and whether Olawumi’s disqualification should be set aside.

The matter is currently before Justice Peter Lifu, and Olawumi has posed three questions for determination. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for the 2026 Ekiti state governorship election, as Governor Oyebanji was recently affirmed as the APC candidate with 885 delegates’ votes. The court’s decision will likely influence the trajectory of the election and the APC’s nomination process. As the case progresses, it will be essential to monitor the developments and the court’s ruling on Olawumi’s claims.