A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Olumuyiwa Owadara as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency I in the 2027 general election.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, in a judgment delivered on October 20, nullified INEC’s publication of Ibrahim Lukman as the party’s candidate, ruling that he did not participate in the party’s primary election.
The court held that Owadara won the May 29 primary, citing INEC’s own monitoring report, which showed that he secured the highest number of lawful votes.
It consequently set aside INEC’s August 1 publication of Lukman’s name and ordered the commission to immediately publish Owadara’s name and particulars. The court also awarded N1m in costs against INEC and Lukman.
INEC had argued that it published the names submitted through political parties’ online platforms. However, the judge ruled that the commission failed to provide credible evidence supporting that claim.
The court also found no evidence that the NDC had conducted another primary or followed the legal procedure for changing its candidate.
Lukman had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that he was not properly served with the court papers. Justice Aluko dismissed the objection, finding that the substituted service through WhatsApp was valid.
Owadara’s counsel, Festus Ogun, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
In a letter dated October 23, his legal team urged INEC’s national chairman to comply with the court’s orders.
