On the grounds that Governor Mai Mala Buni, who submitted the names of Governor Isiaka Oyetola and his Deputy Governorship candidate, Benedict Alabi, to INEC, violated the terms of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 82(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Federal High Court in Abuja has revoked their nominations.
The decision was made on Friday, September 30 in a lawsuit brought by party member Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) that contested the nomination and sponsorship of Governor Isiaka Oyetola and his deputy as the legitimate APC candidates (APC).
Governor Isiaka Oyetola's attorney, Mr. Kunle Adegoke (SAN), contested the suit's competence on a number of grounds, including that the plaintiff lacked jurisdiction to file the lawsuit and that it was time-barred.
In his opposing arguments, Ogunwumiju, who was supported by Muyiwa Atoyebi SAN and Ademola Abimbola, argued that the Plaintiff had lawfully filed the lawsuit in accordance with Section 285(14)(c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. (as amended).
Governor Isiaka Oyetola and Benedict Alabi's nomination by the APC was ruled to be invalid by the case's presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, who also agreed with the plaintiff's attorney's arguments.
Additionally, the court ruled that Governor Mai Mala Buni violated the terms of Section 183 of the Constitution when he simultaneously held the roles of Governor of Yoe State and Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the APC.
The court determined that the actions or choices made by Governor Mai Mala Buni, including sending the names of Governors Isiaka Oyetola and Benedict Alabi to INEC, amounted to a legal nullity.
The judgment will be appealed, according to Gov. Oyetola's attorney, Adegoke.