 remains uncertain, as a court is yet to rule on a case questioning his eligibility.){kind=link}
With less than two weeks until Ondo State’s November 16 governorship election, the candidacy of Hon. Olugbenga Edema from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) remains uncertain, as a court is yet to rule on a case questioning his eligibility.
The legal challenge, initiated by Engr. Akintan Michael, Mrs. Kemi Fasua, NNPP, Dr. Gilbert Major Agbo, and Comrade Oginni Olaposi, was filed on August 12, 2024. The claimants are asking the court to address two key issues: whether the NNPP complied with Sections 77(2) and 77(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 by submitting its Register of Members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 30 days before the party’s primary on April 26, 2024. They are also seeking an interpretation of Section 77(3) to determine if Edema, whose name was not listed in the submitted register, is eligible to claim party membership as of that date.
The plaintiffs are additionally seeking an injunction to prevent Edema from presenting himself as an NNPP member or candidate in the upcoming election.
Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadabay of the Akure State High Court has heard arguments from both parties’ counsel and scheduled a ruling for November 7, 2024.
Claimants’ counsel, Monday O. Mawah, acknowledged the late submission of some documents, which were added through an affidavit. Responding to a preliminary objection by Edema’s counsel, Mr. Rotimi Olorunfemi, Mawah argued that the court has jurisdiction over the case, citing Section 285 of the Nigerian Constitution, which covers pre-election matters and grants concurrent jurisdiction to state high courts.
Olorunfemi, however, argued that the case is a pre-election matter beyond the court’s jurisdiction, asserting that the plaintiffs failed to include essential parties in the case.
Mawah further argued that Edema’s NNPP membership is questionable, as he could not provide a membership card or register entry. He added that Edema had participated in the APC’s April 20, 2024, governorship primary, where incumbent governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa secured the nomination.
Edema subsequently left the APC and joined the NNPP as its governorship candidate, although the party had already nominated Engr. Akintan Michael and Mrs. Kemi Fasua as its governorship and deputy governorship candidates, respectively.
As election day nears, Edema’s legal team expressed concerns about his limited time to campaign effectively.
The court will deliver its verdict on November 7, 2024.