An Ondo State High Court in Akure has thrown out a legal challenge against Olugbenga Edema’s candidature as the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) flagbearer in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Justice Osadabay, who presided over the case, ruled on Thursday that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter, stating it fell within pre-election matters exclusively reserved for the Federal High Court.
The suit was filed by party members including Messrs Akintan, Fasua, Gilbert Agbo, and Oginni Olaposi, who questioned Edema’s emergence as the NNPP candidate.
Through their counsel, Monday Mawah, they sought clarification on whether the party had complied with Sections 77(2) and 77(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 regarding submission of membership registers to INEC.
The case emerged after Oluwatosim Ayeni, the party’s initial nominee, stepped down and was replaced by Edema. Ayeni has since been appointed as Director General of Edema’s campaign organization.
Defense counsel Rotimi Olorunfemi argued for dismissal, saying, “Since the court has no jurisdiction, the case should be dismissed with cost against the claimants.”
The judge concurred and awarded N100,000 in costs against the plaintiffs.
Responding to the verdict, Edema expressed satisfaction, saying: “We knew a lot of people who are our adversaries were looking forward to dividing us. But thank God, apart from the judgment of this court, we have come together as a party to be one family.”
He added: “So, we are going to walk into this election as one family of NNPP. So, to the glory of God, the people of NNPP should rest assured that their candidate of NNPP is now on the ballot in the eye of the law and squarely. And come 16 November, we will win with the support of the people of NNPP and God.”
Mr Akintan, one of the plaintiffs, has indicated his readiness to accept Edema as the party’s candidate.
