NDC Crisis: Court Sacks Uyi Omosigho
By Reporter
The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday sacked Uyi Omosigho as the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency and declared Omo-Osagie Efosa, popularly known as Mighty Man, the authentic candidate of the party.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Professor Chuka Obizor in suit No. FHC/B/C/60/2026, instituted by Omo-Osagie against Omosigho Uyi Frank, 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, Justice Obizor criticised what he described as frustrating tendencies by INEC in pre-election disputes, warning that procedural requirements could be exploited to deny aggrieved aspirants timely access to justice.
The judge also observed that internal party mechanisms for resolving disputes arising from primary elections could be used to delay or frustrate aspirants seeking redress.
Citing relevant constitutional provisions and evidence presented before the court, Justice Obizor held that the plaintiff had established his participation in the party’s primary election.
According to the judge, the plaintiff’s participation was confirmed by the returning officers and chairmen of all 12 wards in Oredo Federal Constituency.
The court further held that the party leadership failed to establish that Omosigho participated in and won the primary election, while evidence before it supported Omo-Osagie’s claim.
Consequently, the judge directed the NDC to recognise Omo-Osagie as the winner of the primary election and submit his name to INEC as the party’s candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency.
Reacting to the judgment, Omo-Osagie described the ruling 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 called on other aspirants to unite behind the party and work towards securing victory in the January 16, 2027 general election.
“This was a victory for the rule of law, and I appreciate the national leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, for the support. I also call on other aspirants to come together for the general election to ensure victory in the January 16th, 2027 election,” he said.
