The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared Barrister Ghani Arobo as the lawful candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload his name to its nomination portal within 48 hours.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that Arobo validly emerged as the winner of the APC primary election and held that the party’s subsequent substitution of his name with another aspirant was irregular, unlawful, and without legal effect.

The APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) had earlier recognised Emmanuel Adelegbe as the party’s candidate for the constituency. However, the court found that the party failed to produce a lawful return from the primary election, describing the evidence it presented as inconsistent and unreliable.

Justice Lifu further held that the APC acted as a “tainted witness” in the matter, noting that its conduct undermined the credibility of its case.

In contrast, the court described the evidence presented by Arobo and INEC, which monitored the primary election, as credible, consistent, and unchallenged.

The judge consequently directed INEC to upload Arobo’s name as the APC’s official candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency within 48 hours.

Reacting to the judgment, Arobo thanked the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing an issue-based campaign centred on unity, development, and effective representation.

He also urged INEC to comply promptly with the court’s order to avoid further disruption to the electoral process.

“We also call on the APC, its agents, and all political actors to accept the court’s ruling, refrain from actions that could escalate tensions, and work towards a transparent and credible electoral process that reflects the genuine choice of the people,” Arobo said.

The ruling is expected to shape the APC’s preparations for the forthcoming election in the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, while reinforcing the judiciary’s position on internal party democracy and strict compliance with due process in candidate nominations.