Federal High Court Replaces NDC Candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency

A Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, has issued a significant ruling regarding the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidacy for the Oredo Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general election. On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Justice Chuka Obiozor declared Omo-Osagie Efosa the authentic candidate for the party, effectively removing Hon. Uyi Frank Omosigho from the position.

The Legal Dispute

The ruling follows a lawsuit, numbered FHC/B/C/60/2026, initiated by Efosa against the NDC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and several party officials, including the state chairman, Engr. David Olukoga, and the chairman of the primaries and nominations committee, Frederick Endorokeme Owotorufa. The legal challenge centered on the validity of the party’s primary election results, with Efosa arguing that he was the legitimate winner of the contest.

Justice Obiozor noted that evidence presented to the court confirmed Efosa’s participation in the primary election, supported by endorsements from returning officers and chairmen across all 12 wards in the Oredo Federal Constituency. Conversely, the court found that the party leadership failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish that Omosigho had participated in or won the primary election.

Judicial Commentary on Pre-Election Litigation

During the delivery of the judgment, Justice Obiozor expressed concern regarding the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission in pre-election disputes. The judge criticized what he termed as the commission’s “frustrating tendencies,” suggesting that the reliance on internal party mechanisms to resolve primary election grievances is frequently utilized as a tactic to delay justice for aggrieved aspirants.

Reactions and Future Legal Steps

Following the court’s decision, Omo-Osagie Efosa welcomed the ruling, characterizing it as a triumph for the rule of law. He extended his gratitude to the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, and issued a call for party unity to ensure success in the upcoming January 16, 2027, election.

Hon. Uyi Frank Omosigho, who currently serves as a representative for the Oredo East Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, acknowledged the judgment while signaling his intent to challenge the outcome. In a statement, Omosigho urged his supporters to maintain peace and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, expressing his confidence that the Court of Appeal would review the matter. He emphasized his commitment to pursuing the case through legal channels, stating, “Our calmness is not surrender, and our patience is not weakness.”

Conclusion

The court has ordered the NDC to submit the name of Omo-Osagie Efosa to INEC as the official candidate for the Oredo Federal Constituency. As the legal process moves toward the appellate stage, the political landscape in Edo State remains in flux, with both camps calling for stability as they await further judicial developments.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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