Court hears suit challenging OYSIEC powers ahead of Oyo LG elections
By Adejayan Gbenga
A Federal High Court in Abuja has begun hearing a suit challenging the conduct of the planned 2026/2027 local government elections in Oyo State.
The suit was filed by businessman and politician Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi against the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), listed as the first and second respondents, respectively.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, the presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, directed Oyeniyi to serve the originating summons on the two respondents. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until Sept. 10, 2026, for a report on the status of service.
Oyeniyi is challenging OYSIEC’s authority to verify and screen candidates for the local government elections, asking the court to determine whether the commission’s powers extend beyond verifying the documents of nominated candidates.
He is also challenging Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2026/2027 Local Government Election, issued on March 4, 2026. Oyeniyi argues that the provisions are inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
Among other reliefs, the plaintiff is asking the court to declare that OYSIEC lacks the power to verify or screen chairmanship and councillorship candidates, including substituted candidates. He is also seeking an order striking out, cancelling or annulling the disputed provisions of the electoral timetable.
Oyeniyi further wants the court to restrain INEC from releasing the certified register of voters for Oyo State to OYSIEC for use in conducting the local government elections until the disputed provisions of the timetable are addressed.
In an affidavit filed alongside the originating summons, Oyeniyi said allowing the elections to proceed under the disputed arrangements would adversely affect his interests. He maintained that granting the reliefs would uphold the rule of law and strengthen democracy, while the respondents would suffer no injustice.
