The Federal High Court has removed two candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from the party’s list for the 2027 general election, affirming alternative aspirants as the authentic candidates for their respective federal constituencies in Edo and Enugu states.
In the Edo case, the court sitting in Benin City removed Uyi Omosigho as the NDC candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency and declared Omo-Osagie Efosa, popularly known as Mighty Man, the authentic candidate.
Justice Chuka Obizor delivered the judgment on Tuesday in suit number FHC/B/C/60/2026, filed by Omo-Osagie against Omosigho, the NDC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the party’s Edo State Chairman, David Olukoga, and the Chairman of the State Primary and Nominations Committees, Frederick Endorokeme Owotorufa.
In his ruling, the judge held that evidence before the court established that Omo-Osagie participated in the party’s primary election, with his participation confirmed by returning officers and chairmen of the 12 wards in Oredo Federal Constituency.
The court also observed that the party leadership failed to establish that Omosigho participated in and won the primary election.
Justice Obizor criticised what he described as tendencies by INEC to frustrate the speedy resolution of pre-election disputes, warning that reliance on internal party mechanisms could sometimes be used to delay proceedings and deny aggrieved aspirants timely access to justice.
The judge consequently directed the NDC to recognise Omo-Osagie as the winner of the primary election and submit his name to INEC as its candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency.
The Edo judgment came barely two hours after the Federal High Court in Abuja removed John Nwokeabia and affirmed Hon. Chijioke Okereke as the NDC candidate for Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency of Enugu State.
Reacting to the judgment, Omo-Osagie described the outcome as a victory for the rule of law and expressed appreciation to the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, for his support.
He also urged fellow aspirants to set aside their differences and unite ahead of the January 16, 2027 general election.
Omo-Osagie said unity among party members would be crucial to the NDC’s chances of winning the forthcoming poll.
