Politics
Aggrieved aspirants ask court to nullify all PDP primaries conducted in Oyo
Some aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have asked the Federal High Court in Ibadan to nullify all State House of Assembly, Governorship, House of Representatives and Senatorial District Primaries conducted in the state.
The eight aspirants through their counsel, Tunde Falola, are urging the court to set aside the PDP Primaries conducted on May 21st, 22nd and May 23, 2022, in Oyo State, because they were allegedly conducted in flagrant violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), the PDP’s Constitution as well as its Guidelines.
They are also seeking an injunction restraining PDP and INEC from using and/or utilizing any other list of Ad-Hoc and National Delegates for the nomination of candidates into various elective positions at the 2023 general election in Oyo State other than the list of Ad-Hoc and National Delegates which emanated from Ward and Local Government Area Congresses conducted on the 30 April 2022 and 10th May 2022 in Oyo State in compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act, PDP’s Constitution as well as its Guidelines.
The Plaintiffs in the suit are Hon. Taofeef Abiola, Niyi Aborisade(a lawyer), Hon. Taiwo Jimoh, Sakiru Olaide Raheem, Akande Olalekan, Jelil Azeez, Ayoade Olusegun and Anifowoshe Dayo James.
The PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are joined as respondents to the suit.
In the suit, the plaintiffs are asking the court for “a declaration that having regards to the combined provisions of Section 84(8) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), Sections 15(2)(e) and 18(2)(c) of the PDP’s Constitution and the Guidelines for Ward, Local Government Area, State, Zonal Congresses and the National Convention of the party, the Defendants are statutorily bound to accord recognition to, act on and/or deal with the list of Ad-Hoc and National Delegates elected at the Ward and Local Government Area Congresses conducted in Oyo State on 30th April 2022 and 10th May 2022 respectively for the nomination of candidates for 2023 general elections in the state”.
They further urged the court “to declare that the purported lists of Ad-hoc delegates used for the conduct of State House of Assembly, Governorship, House of Representatives and Senatorial District Primaries on May 21st, 2022, May 25th, 2022, May 22nd, 2022 and May 23rd, 2022 for the nomination of candidates for the 2023 General Elections in Oyo State are illegal and unconstitutional, having not emanated from the Ward Congress conducted on April 30, 2022, in Oyo State”.
In an affidavit filed in support of the suit and deposed to by one of the Applicants, Taofeef Abiola, they claimed that they are card-carrying members of the PDP in Oyo State and as aspirants who participated and contested for the various elective positions in the Oyo State Chapter of the party.
The politicians also maintained that having complied with the combined provisions of Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), the Constitution of the PDP, the Guidelines for Ward, Local Government Area, State, Zonal Congresses and the National Convention of the PDP, the lists of Ad-Hoc and National Delegates elected through the Ward and Local Government Area Congresses held on said April 30, 2022, and May 10, 2022, respectively in Oyo State and no other lists of delegates ought to be accorded recognition as the authentic and lawfully elected delegates of the PDP in Oyo State by the INEC for nominations of candidates at the 2023 General Election in Oyo State.
“That in preparation for the 2023 General Election, the second Defendant (PDP) released and published the Time-Table and Schedule of Activities for its Ward, Local Government Area and the National Convention, to elect party Ad-Hoc and National Delegates.
“That under the above, the second Defendant also adopted its January 2020 Guidelines for the Conduct of the said Ward, Local Government Area, State, Zonal Congresses and the National Convention.
“That in line with the party’s already published Time-Table referred to in paragraph 9 above and under the Provision of Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the second Defendant’s Constitution, the second Defendant Conducted its Ward Congresses in Oyo State on April 30, 2022, and Three AD-HOC Ward Delegates were elected from each of the Wards in the State.
“That contrary to the aforementioned directive by the second Defendant and in sharp contravention of the provision of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the 2nd Defendant’s Constitution, a minority group within the second Defendant Party in Oyo State who did not participate at the said Ward and Local Government Area Congresses have connived with some Elements and National officers of the second Defendant and perfected, planned and jettisoned the authentic and legally recognisable list of delegates emanating from the said Ward and Local Government Area Congresses.
“That notwithstanding our protest also, the 2nd Defendant’s Agents who conducted the primaries insisted and went on with the purported primaries.
“That at the said primaries also, the authentic Ad-hoc Delegates who could have voted for me as well as other Plaintiffs were severally beaten and injured by the thugs sponsored by the said minority group within the 2nd Defendant, who was behind the manipulation of the lists in question”.
However, the court is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the suit.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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