Abuja Federal High Court Adjourns Suit Seeking to Halt Oyo LG Elections to September 10

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, has shifted the hearing of a suit seeking to restrain the conduct of the upcoming Local Government Council elections in Oyo State to September 10, 2026.
The legal challenge was instituted by Ogbomoso-born politician and businessman Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi against the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter on Tuesday to enable the plaintiff to properly serve the originating summons and court processes on both defense parties and present proof of service before the court can formally commence hearing.

“Justice Egwuatu, who was billed to begin hearing of the suit on Tuesday, ordered the aggrieved plaintiff to serve the originating summons on the defendants in the matter... [adjourning] to enable the plaintiff to report to court on the service of the originating summons.”

In the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1849/2026), Oyeniyi is challenging OYSIEC’s authority to conduct screening and verification of candidates, arguing that its power is constitutionally limited under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026 to verifying documents submitted by political parties. He is praying the court for an order nullifying key provisions of OYSIEC's 2026/2027 election timetable and restraining INEC from releasing the certified voter register to the state electoral body until the alleged constitutional infractions are corrected.
What are your thoughts on the legal battle surrounding the screening process and timetable for the Oyo Local Government elections? Drop your comments below!

Share to: