The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until September 10 the hearing of a suit seeking to stop the conduct of the 2026/2027 Local Government elections in Oyo State.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu fixed the new date on Tuesday to allow the plaintiff, Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi, provide evidence of service of the originating summons on the defendants.
Oyeniyi, a politician from Ogbomoso, had instituted the suit against the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), listed as the first and second defendants respectively.
The plaintiff is challenging aspects of OYSIEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the local government elections.
Among the questions submitted for the court’s determination is whether OYSIEC’s constitutional and statutory responsibility extends beyond the verification of documents submitted by political parties to the screening or verification of candidates.
He is also challenging Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable issued on March 4, 2026, arguing that they are inconsistent with provisions of the 1999 Constitution and Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Oyeniyi is asking the court to declare that OYSIEC’s constitutional responsibility is limited to verifying documents of candidates nominated by political parties.
He further wants the court to declare that the commission lacks the authority to screen chairmanship and councilor ship candidates, including substituted candidates, based on his interpretation of the Constitution and Electoral Act.
The plaintiff is also seeking an order restraining INEC from releasing the certified register of voters for Oyo State to OYSIEC for use in the local government elections until the disputed provisions of the timetable are reviewed.
He is asking the court to strike out, cancel or annul Items 6 and 9 of the revised timetable on the grounds that they allegedly contravene the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
In an affidavit filed in support of the originating summons, Oyeniyi said allowing the elections to proceed under the disputed arrangements would adversely affect his interests.
He also argued that granting the reliefs sought would not cause injustice to the defendants and would, instead, help uphold the rule of law and strengthen democracy.
The plaintiff maintained that the balance of convenience was in his favour and that any alleged violation of his constitutional rights could not be adequately compensated through damages.
The court has now adjourned the matter to September 10 for further proceedings.