A Federal High Court in Abuja has been approached by APC aspirant Mrs Abimbola Olawumi, who seeks to nullify the party’s primary election that produced Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship race. Olawumi’s legal team, led by O.A. Olawuyi, filed a suit against the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting four key reliefs.
The aspirant is challenging her disqualification during the party’s screening exercise, alleging that the process violated Section 84(14) of the Electoral Act, 2022. Olawumi contends that her removal was unlawful, unconstitutional and void, noting that she had initially been cleared and is a bona‑fide member of the APC. She seeks a declaration that she is entitled to participate in the party’s primary election for the Ekiti State governorship nomination.
Olawumi’s disqualification occurred on 24 September 2025, when the APC conducted its screening. She argues that the party’s procedure was arbitrary, denied her a fair hearing, and contravened both the APC’s constitution and the Electoral Act. The court is being asked to determine whether the APC’s actions were lawful and whether her disqualification should be set aside. Justice Peter Lifu is presiding, and Olawumi has posed three specific questions for determination.
The outcome could have significant implications for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, as Governor Oyebanji was recently affirmed as the APC candidate with 885 delegates’ votes. The court’s decision is likely to influence the election’s trajectory and the APC’s nomination process, making it essential to monitor developments and the ruling on Olawumi’s claims.
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