The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City on Tuesday sacked Uyi Omosigho as the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency and declared Omo-Osagie Efosa, popularly known as Mighty Man, the authentic candidate of the party.
The presiding judge, Professor Chuka Obizor, gave the ruling in suit No. FHC/B/C/60/2026, filed by Efosa against Frank, the NDC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the State Chairman, Engr. David Olukoga, and Mr Frederick Endorokeme Owotorufa, Chairman of the party’s state primaries and nominations committees.
In his ruling, Obizor frowned at what he described as the frustrating tendencies of INEC in pre-election cases.
The judge also observed that the reliance on internal party mechanisms to resolve primary election disputes could be used to delay and frustrate aggrieved aspirants seeking redress.
Citing various legal authorities and constitutional provisions, Obizor said the evidence before the court showed that the plaintiff participated in the primary election, as confirmed and endorsed by the returning officers and chairmen of the 12 wards in Oredo Federal Constituency.
He said the party leadership failed to prove that the first defendant, Omosigho, participated in and won the primary election, unlike the plaintiff, whose participation was established by the evidence presented before the court.
The judge consequently directed the party to declare the plaintiff the winner of the primary election and forward his name to INEC as its candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency.
Reacting to the judgment, Omo-Osagie Efosa described it as a victory for the rule of law and appreciated the national leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, for his support.
He also called on other aspirants to unite and work together towards securing victory for the party in the January 16, 2027, election.
On his part, Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho urged party members and supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and united as they await the outcome of the judicial process, adding that he is confident that the Court of Appeal will carefully consider the matter and deliver justice in accordance with the law.
“I reaffirm my commitment to pursuing justice through the appropriate legal channels, while remaining focused on my vision for purposeful representation, accountability, youth empowerment, and the development of Oredo Federal Constituency.
“I appeal to our supporters to avoid inflammatory statements, respect the judiciary, and remain law-abiding. Let us continue to stand together in unity and confidence.
“Our calmness is not surrender, and our patience is not weakness. We remain determined to pursue justice with dignity and respect for the rule of law.
Thank you for your continued support and confidence.”
