Osun 2026: SDP appeals judgment recognising governorship candidate

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is taking its fight over the 2026 Osun State governorship candidacy to the Court of Appeal. The party is seeking to overturn a Federal High Court judgment that recognized Olaitan Salawu-Adeniyi as its candidate.

The SDP's appeal centers on the argument that the Federal High Court's decision improperly enforced a prior Court of Appeal ruling. Crucially, the party contends that the Supreme Court had already nullified this earlier decision. The SDP fears that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proceeds with the judgment, it could irrevocably change the election's landscape before their appeal is heard.

In its application, the SDP is requesting a stay of execution for the Federal High Court's judgment. They also want to prevent INEC from acting on the decision until the appeal is fully determined. The party asserts that its appeal raises significant legal questions that warrant the Court of Appeal's attention. They believe preserving the current situation is essential for justice, especially given the potential for the appeal to become ineffective if the judgment is implemented.

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The interest of justice would be better served by preserving the existing state of affairs pending the determination of the substantive appeal.