The Court of Appeal in Abuja has taken a dramatic turn in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, disqualifying Olusola Ebiseni as the Labour Party candidate.
This decision was unanimously made by the three-member panel, led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, on Wednesday.
Justice Banjoko declared, “the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 brought by the Labour Party against Chief Olusola Ebiseni and two others is allowed.” This ruling overturns the previous decision made by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had validated Ebiseni and Ezekiel Awude as the Labour Party’s candidates.
The Appeal Court’s decision has significant implications for the Labour Party, particularly with the election just around the corner, scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024. The Labour Party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dame Olabisi Adu Okunniyi, has hailed the judgment, calling it a victory for the rule of law and true Obi-dients.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously been ordered by Justice Nwite to recognize Ebiseni and Awude as the Labour Party’s candidates. However, with the Appeal Court’s ruling, INEC will need to revisit its candidate list.
As the election draws near, the Labour Party will need to swiftly address the candidacy issue to ensure a smooth campaign trail. With Dame Olabisi Adu Okunniyi’s statement, it’s clear the party is gearing up for a fresh start.
