Abuja, Nigeria – The Court of Appeal in Abuja has disqualified Olusola Ebiseni, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, in a significant legal twist ahead of the November 16 polls.
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Appeal Court Overturns High Court Ruling, Disqualifies Ebiseni
The decision, announced on Wednesday, November 13, was made by a three-member panel of justices, with Justice Adebukola Banjoko delivering the unanimous verdict.
This ruling overturns a prior decision by the Federal High Court, which had initially upheld Ebiseni’s candidacy as the LP’s standard-bearer.
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Ebiseni, who also serves as the Secretary-General of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, has faced an ongoing dispute over his nomination, challenged by unionist Ayodele Olorunfemi.
Labour Party Faction Celebrates Appeal Court Decision
In a swift reaction, Olabisi Adu Okunniyi, the factional deputy governorship candidate for the Labour Party in Ondo State, praised the appellate court’s judgment. In a statement issued by her media office, Okunniyi called the ruling a “victory for the rule of law” and extended an invitation for political alliances in Ondo State.
“We are open to any ideological electoral coalition that will liberate Ondo State from those who exploit its common resources,” Okunniyi stated.
Olorunfemi Declared LP Candidate Following Party Primaries
The Labour Party’s internal conflict has been brewing since June, when the party held its primaries in Akure. A statement from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, previously declared Ayodele Olorunfemi as the legitimate flagbearer, distancing the party leadership from Ebiseni’s claim.
Peter Obi’s Endorsement of Ebiseni Now in Question
Before the appeal court’s decision, Peter Obi, the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, had endorsed Ebiseni, citing his vision for equitable development in Ondo State. Obi highlighted Ebiseni’s commitment to justice and fairness, adding that his leadership could bring much-needed progress to the state.
What’s Next for the Labour Party in Ondo State?
With the appeal court’s ruling, the Labour Party’s internal dynamics may shift dramatically, as Olorunfemi is now expected to lead the party’s charge in the upcoming election.
Political observers will be keenly watching how this legal battle affects voter sentiment and the overall strategy of the Labour Party in the days leading up to the polls.
Stay updated with the latest developments on the Ondo State governorship election as the story unfolds.
