The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has removed Uyi Omosigho as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election and declared Omo-Osagie Efosa, popularly known as Mighty Man, the authentic candidate.
The court, presided over by 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 the evidence presented before the court showed 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 further observed that the party leadership failed to establish that Omosigho participated in and won the primary election.
Justice Obizor also criticised what he described as tendencies by INEC to frustrate the speedy resolution of pre-election disputes.
He noted that reliance on internal party mechanisms to resolve primary election disputes 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.
DAILY GAZETTE reports that the development comes barely two hours after the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja sacked Mr 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 it 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 other aspirants to put their differences aside and work together ahead of the January 16, 2027 general election.
Omo-Osagie said unity among party members would be crucial to the NDC’s chances of securing victory in the forthcoming poll.
