The Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced proceedings on a suit seeking to halt aspects of the planned 2026/2027 local government elections in Oyo State.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the matter on Tuesday, directed the plaintiff to serve the originating summons on the defendants — the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court subsequently adjourned the case until September 10, 2026, for a report confirming service of the court documents on the respondents.
The suit was filed by Ogbomoso-based businessman and politician, Akinloye Oyeniyi, through his lawyer, Ayo Omoleaupen.
Oyeniyi is challenging parts of OYSIEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the forthcoming council elections, particularly the commission’s plan to conduct verification and screening of candidates.
In his originating summons, the plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether OYSIEC’s constitutional responsibility is limited to verifying documents submitted by political parties or whether it extends to screening candidates contesting chairmanship and councillorship positions.
He argued that Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable, released on March 4, 2026, conflict with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, 2026.
The plaintiff maintained that the disputed provisions could affect citizens’ rights to contest elections and vote for candidates of their choice.
Among the reliefs sought, Oyeniyi is asking the court to restrain INEC from releasing the certified voters’ register for Oyo State to OYSIEC for the conduct of the council elections until the disputed timetable items are withdrawn.
He also wants the court to declare that OYSIEC lacks the authority to screen chairmanship, councillorship or substituted candidates.
In an affidavit supporting the suit, the plaintiff argued that granting the application would promote constitutional compliance, strengthen democracy and cause no injustice to the defendants.
He stated that any violation of constitutional provisions or the Electoral Act could not be adequately addressed through financial compensation.
The court is expected to further consider the matter when it reconvenes on September 10, 2026.
