A Federal High Court in Abuja has been approached by gubernatorial aspirant Mrs Abimbola Olajumoke Olawuni, who seeks to nullify the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Ekiti State that produced Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s candidate for the upcoming governorship race. Olawuni contends that the primary was arbitrary and violated both the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
According to the suit filed by her lawyer, Abayomi Oluwafemi Olawuyi, Olawuni— a bona‑fide party member who had purchased the required forms—was cleared at the initial stage but was later disqualified during a screening exercise on 24 September. She argues that this disqualification was unlawful because it did not comply with the Electoral Act or the party’s own guidelines.
Olawuni is requesting that the court set aside her disqualification and issue an order prohibiting the APC from excluding her from the nomination election. She has also sought an interim injunction to restrain the party from forwarding Governor Oyebanji’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate. The case, filed as FHC/ABM/CS/222/2025, has been assigned to Justice Peter Odo Lifu for adjudication.
The dispute is significant because it could affect the outcome of the forthcoming Ekiti gubernatorial election. The APC primary has already been mired in controversy, with several aspirants alleging irregularities. Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 outlines the procedures for screening and disqualification of candidates, which Olawuni claims were not observed in her case.
The court’s decision will be pivotal in determining the validity of the primary election and the candidacy of Governor Oyebanji. As the case proceeds, it is expected to attract considerable attention from political observers and stakeholders in Ekiti State, with potential implications for the APC and the broader electoral process in Nigeria. The ruling will also provide clarity on the interpretation of the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
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