Federal High Court: Oyo LG Elections OYSIEC Candidate Screening Challenge Begins

• The Federal High Court in Abuja has begun hearing a suit challenging the conduct of the 2026/2027 local government elections in Oyo State.
• Plaintiff Akinloye Oyeniyi argues that OYSIEC's powers are limited to verifying candidate documents, not screening candidates themselves, citing constitutional and Electoral Act provisions.
• The suit specifically targets Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC's revised timetable, issued on March 4, 2026, alleging they infringe on the right to contest and vote.
• Oyeniyi seeks court orders to declare OYSIEC's limited powers, cancel the disputed timetable items, and restrain INEC from releasing voter registers until the issues are resolved.
• The next court hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2026, for a report on the service of court processes to OYSIEC and INEC.

This legal action could significantly impact the conduct of local government elections in Oyo State, particularly concerning the powers of OYSIEC in determining candidate eligibility.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has initiated proceedings in a significant legal challenge aimed at halting the upcoming 2026/2027 local government elections in Oyo State. Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, directed the plaintiff to formally serve the originating summons on the named defendants, which include the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 10, 2026, to receive a report confirming the service of these crucial court documents.

The suit, which centers on an Oyo LG elections OYSIEC candidate screening challenge, was filed by Akinloye Oyeniyi, a prominent businessman and politician hailing from Ogbomoso. Represented by his counsel, Ayo Omoleaupen, Oyeniyi is contesting specific elements within OYSIEC's recently revised timetable and activity schedule for the forthcoming council polls. His primary concern revolves around OYSIEC's proposed verification and screening processes for candidates, which he argues exceed the commission's statutory authority.

This legal action could significantly impact the conduct of local government elections in Oyo State, particularly concerning the powers of OYSIEC in determining candidate eligibility. The plaintiff's arguments hinge on a strict interpretation of constitutional and electoral provisions, seeking to redefine the scope of OYSIEC's role in the electoral process.

At the heart of Akinloye Oyeniyi's OYSIEC suit is a fundamental question regarding the constitutional and statutory limits of the electoral body's powers. In his originating summons, Oyeniyi asks the court to clarify whether OYSIEC's authority, as defined by Sections 1(1) and 7(1), and Paragraph 4(a), Part II of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), along with Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, is strictly confined to the verification of documents submitted by nominated candidates. He contends that these provisions do not grant OYSIEC the broader power to conduct a full 'verification/screening of candidates' itself.

The plaintiff specifically targets Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable, which was issued on March 4, 2026, asserting that these particular provisions are inconsistent with both the Constitution and the Electoral Act. He argues that allowing these items to stand would infringe upon his fundamental right to contest elections and to vote for candidates of his choosing in the local government elections. This Oyo State LG election timetable challenge seeks a judicial declaration that OYSIEC's constitutional duty is solely to verify documents presented by political parties for their nominated candidates, not to screen the candidates themselves or substituted candidates for chairmanship and councillorship roles.

The reliefs sought by Akinloye Oyeniyi in this Federal High Court Abuja Oyo elections case are far-reaching, aiming to reshape the operational framework for local government polls. Beyond seeking a declaration on OYSIEC's candidate verification powers, Oyeniyi also requests an order to restrain INEC from releasing the certified register of voters for Oyo State to OYSIEC. This injunction would remain in effect until OYSIEC removes or cancels the disputed Items 6 and 9 from its revised timetable. Furthermore, he seeks a direct order from the court to strike out or cancel these two items, citing their alleged contravention of the Constitution and Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

In an affidavit supporting his originating summons, Oyeniyi emphasized that proceeding with the elections under the contested timetable would severely prejudice his interests. He argued that granting the requested reliefs would not cause any injustice to the defendants, but rather would uphold the rule of law and bolster democratic principles. He further maintained that the balance of convenience in this application strongly favors the plaintiff, and that any violation of the Constitution and the Electoral Act by the defendants could not be adequately remedied through monetary damages, underscoring the profound implications of the OYSIEC candidate screening challenge for electoral integrity.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates in Oyo State should closely monitor this Federal High Court case, as its outcome will clarify OYSIEC's statutory powers regarding candidate screening versus document verification for local government elections, potentially redefining eligibility requirements and the election timeline.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH