A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the name and particulars of Olumuyiwa Owadara as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency I in the 2027 general election.
The judgment nullified INEC’s earlier recognition of Ibrahim Alabi Lukman as the party’s candidate and set aside the commission’s August 1 publication of his name.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, who delivered the judgment on October 20, held that Owadara emerged victorious in the NDC primary election conducted on May 29, 2026, which was monitored by INEC.
The court found that Lukman did not participate in the primary election, raising questions about the basis for his subsequent recognition by the electoral commission.
Consequently, the judge directed INEC to publish Owadara’s name and particulars as the party’s duly nominated candidate. The court also awarded ₦1 million in costs against INEC and Lukman.
The ruling represents a significant development in the NDC’s preparations for the 2027 general election, particularly as political parties and their candidates begin positioning themselves for the forthcoming polls.
The decision also underscores the importance of compliance with electoral laws and established procedures governing party primaries and the submission of candidates’ particulars to INEC.
The dispute highlights the legal challenges that can arise when there are disagreements over party nominations and the electoral commission’s recognition of candidates.
With the court directing INEC to recognise Owadara, the commission is expected to comply with the judgment, subject to any further legal proceedings that may affect the matter. trthrive.com+1