The Federal High Court in Akure has reserved judgment in a suit challenging the qualification of Dr. Olaiyide Adelami, the Deputy Governor-elect and running mate to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16 governorship election.
The suit, filed by Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, and his party, contests Adelami’s eligibility to serve as the Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to alleged inconsistencies in his names.
During the court proceedings, six Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) presented arguments for and against the case. M. Ndoka, SAN, represented Ajayi and the PDP, while Dr. Remi Olatubora, SAN, and Idris Abubakar, SAN, appeared for Adelami. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, appeared for the APC, and Charles Edosan, SAN, represented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ajayi’s counsel argued that Adelami is disqualified due to conflicting names, such as Adelami Owolabi Jackson and Adelami Olaide Owolabi. They sought declarations that Adelami is constitutionally disqualified, the APC lacked validly nominated candidates, and an order disqualifying the APC candidates and restraining INEC from recognizing them.
In response, Adelami’s counsel, Dr. Olatubora, argued that the name discrepancies were due to differences in arrangement, citing Adelami’s WAEC result (1974) and university degree (1982). He also contended that the plaintiffs lack the locus standi to file the suit as non-APC members, and the suit should have been filed via a writ of summons, rendering it procedurally incompetent.
Presiding Judge, Justice D.D. Adegoke, announced that the judgment date would be communicated to the parties.