The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, commenced hearing in a suit seeking to stop the conduct of the 2026/2027 local government elections in Oyo State.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the matter, ordered the plaintiff to serve the originating summons on the defendants, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case until September 10, 2026, for a report of service of the court processes on the defendants.

The suit was instituted by a businessman and politician from Ogbomoso, Akinloye Oyeniyi, through his counsel, Ayo Omoleaupen.

Oyeniyi is challenging aspects of OYSIEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the forthcoming council elections, particularly its proposed verification and screening of candidates.

In the originating summons, the plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether, under Sections 1(1) and 7(1), and Paragraph 4(a), Part II of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, OYSIEC’s constitutional powers are limited to the “verification of the documents of nominated candidates” and do not extend to the “verification/screening of candidates.”

He is also challenging Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable issued on March 4, 2026, arguing that they are inconsistent with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

According to him, the provisions infringe on his right to contest and vote for candidates of his choice in the local government elections.

The plaintiff is consequently seeking a declaration that OYSIEC’s constitutional duty is limited to verifying documents submitted by political parties in respect of nominated candidates.

He is also asking the court to declare that OYSIEC lacks the power to “verify/screen” chairmanship and councillorship candidates or screen substituted candidates.

Among the reliefs sought is an order restraining INEC from releasing the certified register of voters for Oyo State to OYSIEC for use in conducting the council elections until the commission removes or cancels Items 6 and 9 of its revised timetable.

He is further asking the court to strike out or cancel the two items on the grounds that they contravene the Constitution and Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Oyeniyi said allowing the elections to proceed under the disputed timetable would gravely affect his interests.

In an affidavit filed in support of the originating summons, the plaintiff argued that the defendants would suffer no injustice if the reliefs were granted, maintaining that the application would promote the rule of law and strengthen democracy.

He stated, “The Defendants/Respondents will not lose anything by the grant of this application.

“That I do know that the balance of convenience in this application is in favour of the Plaintiff/Applicant.”

The plaintiff further argued that any violation of the Constitution and the Electoral Act by the defendants could not be adequately compensated by damages.

He added that granting the reliefs would not prejudice the interests of the defendants.