By Sunday Ameh
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned until September 10, 2026, the hearing of a suit seeking to halt the conduct of the 2026/2027 local government elections in Oyo State.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter on Tuesday to enable the plaintiff, Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi, demonstrate that the originating summons had been properly served on the defendants.
Oyeniyi had instituted the suit against the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the court to stop the planned local government elections over alleged violations of constitutional and electoral provisions.
The plaintiff, through his counsel, Ayo Omoleaupen, is challenging the extent of OYSIEC’s powers, particularly its decision to screen and verify candidates contesting the chairmanship and councillorship positions.
He is asking the court to determine whether OYSIEC’s constitutional responsibility is limited to the verification of documents submitted by political parties for nominated candidates or whether it extends to the screening and verification of candidates.
Oyeniyi is also challenging Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026/2027 local government elections, arguing that the provisions are inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Among other reliefs, the plaintiff wants the court to declare that OYSIEC lacks the power to independently screen chairmanship and councillorship candidates or substituted candidates.
He is also seeking an order restraining INEC from releasing the certified voters’ register for Oyo State to OYSIEC for the conduct of the local government elections until the disputed portions of the electoral timetable are cancelled or amended.
The plaintiff further asked the court to strike out or annul the contentious provisions of the revised timetable, arguing that their continued implementation could infringe on the rights of citizens to contest elections and vote for candidates of their choice.
Oyeniyi, a politician from Ogbomoso, maintained in his affidavit that his interest would be seriously affected if the election proceeded under what he described as an unlawful process.
He argued that granting the reliefs sought would not cause injustice to the defendants but would strengthen the rule of law and democratic processes in the state.
The plaintiff further contended that the balance of convenience favoured him, insisting that any violation of the Constitution and Electoral Act could not adequately be remedied through monetary compensation.
The court, however, did not proceed to hear the substantive arguments on Tuesday, as the issue of service of the originating summons on the defendants remained outstanding.
The case has consequently been adjourned until September 10, 2026, when the court is expected to further consider the matter.
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