Ebenezer Essien
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Olumuyiwa Owadara as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency I in the 2027 general election.
Justice Akintayo Aluko delivered the judgment on October 20, 2026, setting aside INEC’s earlier publication of Ibrahim Alabi Lukman as the party’s candidate and directing the commission to publish Owadara’s name and particulars.
The court held that Owadara won the NDC primary election conducted on May 29, 2026, which INEC monitored. It relied on the commission’s monitoring report, which indicated that Owadara scored the highest number of lawful votes cast.
According to the court, there was no credible evidence that Lukman participated in the primary or that the party conducted another primary to nominate him.
INEC argued that it published the candidates’ details submitted through its nomination platform. However, Justice Aluko rejected the explanation, stating that it was not supported by credible evidence.
The judge ruled that publishing Lukman’s name despite the outcome of the primary violated Sections 29(1), 32(1) and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022. The court also found no credible evidence that the party had followed the statutory procedure for changing its candidate or conducted another primary.
The court dismissed Lukman’s objection to its jurisdiction, which was based on his claim that he had not been properly served with the court processes. It also awarded N1 million in costs against INEC and Lukman.
Owadara’s lawyer, Festus Ogun, welcomed the judgment, saying it reaffirmed the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law.
On October 23, 2026, Ogun’s law firm forwarded a certified copy of the judgment to INEC’s national chairman and requested compliance with the court’s orders.
As of Friday, October 31, 2026, INEC was yet to publish an updated list reflecting the court order.
