Court dismisses APC aspirant's suit over Ondo Reps ticket

A Nigerian court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the candidacy of Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye for the upcoming House of Representatives election. The suit was filed by APC aspirant Matthew Oyerinmade, who sought to withdraw his challenge for personal reasons.

However, Adefiranye's legal team opposed the withdrawal, arguing that the case had already progressed to a point where unilateral withdrawal was not permitted. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja agreed with the defense, stating that "issues have been joined in this matter." The court subsequently dismissed the suit without awarding costs, effectively ending Oyerinmade's legal challenge.

The dismissal contradicts an earlier statement suggesting the court had granted permission for withdrawal. Oyerinmade, who was among the aspirants supported by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa but lost in the primaries, is reportedly planning to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He intends to contest for the Ondo South Senatorial seat in 2027.

Legal experts note that the court's decision to dismiss the suit rather than allow withdrawal could have implications for Oyerinmade's future political ambitions. The judge's ruling upheld the defense's argument that the legal process had advanced too far for the plaintiff to unilaterally withdraw.

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issues have been joined in this matter. I will make an order of dismissal.