By Peace Erewunmi

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the candidacy of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming governorship election, dismissing a legal challenge against his nomination. The ruling comes just days before voters head to the polls.

The appeal was filed by an APC member, Abimbola Olawumi, who challenged the governor’s emergence as the party’s candidate. However, the appellate court held that the appeal was incompetent and failed to comply with the relevant electoral procedures and court rules.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, the court upheld preliminary objections raised by the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Governor Oyebanji. The court subsequently struck out the appellant’s brief and dismissed the appeal.

According to the judgment, the appellant’s brief of argument violated provisions of the Electoral Proceedings Practice Direction and was therefore deemed incompetent. The court further held that the appeal lacked valid arguments capable of sustaining the case.

The ruling effectively clears the way for Governor Oyebanji to remain on the ballot as the APC candidate in the governorship election scheduled to hold in Ekiti State. Party supporters welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for due process and internal party democracy.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continued preparations for the election, including the distribution of sensitive electoral materials and coordination with security agencies ahead of the exercise.

Political observers believe the judgment has removed a major legal obstacle from the election process and is expected to shape the final phase of campaigning before voters make their choice at the polls.

As of the time of filing this report, no further appeal had been announced regarding the Court of Appeal’s decision.