The Court of Appeal in Abuja has officially disqualified Olusola Ebiseni as the Labour Party’s candidate for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16.
This decision comes after a comprehensive review by a three-member panel of judges, led by Justice Hamma Barka, with Justice Adebukola Banjoko delivering the ruling.
The court’s ruling, filed under case number CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024, allowed the Labour Party’s appeal against Ebiseni’s candidacy, effectively removing him from the race. Justice Banjoko also confirmed that a Certified True Copy of the judgment will be provided to all involved parties for further review and record. Justice Abba Mohammed concurred with the decision, showing the panel’s united stance on the matter.
This appellate ruling overturns an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Ebiseni as the Labour Party’s official candidate, alongside his deputy candidate, Ezekiel Awude. The initial ruling from Justice Nwite at the Federal High Court upheld a secondary Labour Party primary election, which had nominated Ebiseni and Awude as candidates. Justice Nwite’s decision was based on substantial evidence that Ebiseni had paid N20 million for the nomination form, with an additional N5 million paid to Festus Olorunfemi as compensation for his withdrawal from the candidacy.
However, the Court of Appeal has now overruled this earlier Federal High Court decision, stating that the lower court’s directive to recognize Ebiseni’s candidacy was invalid. With this new judgment, Ebiseni is formally disqualified from participating in the Ondo State governorship election. This decision has created a significant setback for the Labour Party in Ondo State, where the search for a new candidate or alternative strategy may be essential as the election date nears.
This case highlights the ongoing legal debates and complexities surrounding candidate selection and party primary elections in Nigeria, where multiple judicial interventions are often required to clarify disputes over party nominations. As the ruling has now invalidated Ebiseni’s candidacy, political analysts predict potential changes in Labour Party’s approach in Ondo State as they prepare for a competitive election environment. The recent decision by the appellate court reinforces the judiciary’s role in overseeing electoral processes and candidate selections, ensuring alignment with electoral regulations and party protocols.
