A Federal High Court in Abuja has been approached by a gubernatorial aspirant, Mrs Abimbola Olajumoke Olawuni, to nullify the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State. The election had produced Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election. Olawuni, who is contesting the outcome, claims the primary election procedure was arbitrary and contrary to the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.

According to the suit filed by her lawyer, Abayomi Oluwafemi Olawuyi, Olawuni was excluded from participating in the poll despite being a bonafide member of the party and having purchased the necessary forms. She had been cleared at the initial stage but was later disqualified during a screening exercise on September 24. The aspirant argues that this disqualification was unlawful, as it did not comply with the Electoral Act and the party’s guidelines.

Olawuni is seeking a court order to set aside her disqualification and another order prohibiting the APC from excluding her from the nomination election. She has also requested an interim injunction to restrain the APC from forwarding Governor Oyebanji’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s candidate for the election.

The suit, marked FHC/ABM/CS/222/2025, has been assigned to Justice Peter Odo Lifu for adjudication. This development is significant, as it may impact the outcome of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ekiti State. The APC’s primary election has been a subject of controversy, with some aspirants alleging irregularities in the process.

The Electoral Act 2022 emphasizes the importance of transparency and fairness in the conduct of primary elections. Section 84 of the Act outlines the procedures for screening and disqualification of candidates, which Olawuni claims were not followed in her case. The court’s decision will be crucial in determining the validity of the primary election and the candidacy of Governor Oyebanji.

As the case progresses, it is likely to attract attention from political observers and stakeholders in Ekiti State. The outcome may have implications for the APC and the electoral process in the country. The court’s ruling will be closely watched, as it will provide clarity on the interpretation of the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.