The Action Peoples Party (APP) has initiated legal proceedings to challenge the eligibility of Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State, citing alleged defects in his nomination documents. The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, names the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC as co-defendants.
Through its counsel, Abdulateef R., the APP contends that Oyebamiji’s submission fails to meet the constitutional requirements for contesting the election. The originating summons, dated March 16, asks the court to assess whether the candidate’s nomination complies with Section 182(1)(j) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended. This provision outlines the qualifications for a governor. The plaintiff seeks a declaration nullifying the publication of Oyebamiji’s name as the APC candidate for the scheduled August 15, 2026, governorship poll.
Additionally, the suit requests a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from recognising Oyebamiji as a candidate. It also demands that the commission remove his name from the official list of contestants already released for the election.
Responding to the lawsuit, the APC in Osun State dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Party spokesperson Kola Olabisi stated the suit was not surprising, calling it frivolous and an attempt to distract from the strength of their candidate. “We state unequivocally that our governorship candidate is eminently qualified, having satisfied all statutory requirements necessary for contesting the election,” Olabisi said. He alleged the action reflected anxiety among opponents and asserted that no legal challenge would prevent the APC from fully participating in the election.
The lawsuit represents a pre-election challenge common in Nigeria’s political landscape, where rival parties often seek to disqualify candidates on technical grounds. The Federal High Court’s determination will be pivotal for the APC’s campaign in Osun State. Should the court rule in favour of the APP, it could remove Oyebamiji from the ballot, significantly altering the contest. INEC, as a defendant, will be required to respond to the court’s directives. The election remains scheduled for August 2026, barring any successful legal intervention that alters the candidate roster. The case underscores the critical role of the judiciary in resolving pre-electoral disputes and enforcing constitutional stipulations for candidate eligibility.
