BENIN CITY, Edo State — The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City has removed Uyi Omosigho as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and declared Omo-Osagie Efosa, popularly known as Mighty Man, the authentic winner of the party’s primary election.
The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in a pre-election dispute over the party’s nomination for the Oredo Federal Constituency ahead of the January 16, 2027 general election.
The court directed the NDC to recognise Efosa as the winner of the primary and submit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate for the constituency.
Court Identifies Evidence Supporting Efosa’s Candidacy
The suit, marked FHC/B/C/60/2026, was instituted by Osagie Efosa Omo against Omosigho Uyi Frank, the NDC, INEC, the party’s Edo State Chairman, Engr. David Olukoga, and Frederick Endorokeme Owotorufa, chairman of the state primaries and nominations committees.
Presiding over the case, Justice Professor Chuka Obizor held that the evidence presented before the court established that Efosa participated in the party’s primary election.
According to the court, his participation was confirmed by the returning officers and the chairmen of all 12 wards in Oredo Federal Constituency.
The judge further observed that the party leadership had failed to establish that Omosigho participated in and won the primary election.
In contrast, the court found that the evidence supporting Efosa’s participation was sufficiently established.
On the strength of the evidence before it, the court directed the party to recognise Efosa as its candidate and forward his name to INEC.
Judge Criticises Delays in Pre-Election Disputes
During the proceedings, Justice Obizor expressed concern over what he described as frustrating tendencies by INEC in pre-election cases.
The judge also warned that reliance on internal party mechanisms for resolving primary election disputes could become a means of delaying or frustrating aspirants seeking judicial redress.
His remarks highlighted the importance of ensuring that disputes over party primaries are resolved without unnecessarily obstructing candidates seeking to challenge the nomination process.
The case centred on competing claims over participation in the NDC primary and the evidence required to establish the legitimate winner.
Mighty Man Welcomes Judgment
Reacting to the judgment, Efosa described the decision as a victory for the rule of law.
He expressed appreciation to Senator Seriake Dickson, the NDC’s national leader, for his support throughout the process.
Efosa also appealed to other aspirants and party members to put their differences aside and unite behind the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
He urged party stakeholders to work together towards securing victory in the January 16, 2027 election.
Implications for the 2027 Election
The ruling represents a significant development in the NDC’s preparations for the Oredo Federal Constituency contest in Edo State.
With the court directing the party to recognise Efosa and forward his name to INEC, the party is expected to take the necessary steps to comply with the judgment.
The dispute also underscores the legal challenges that can arise when political parties conduct primary elections and the role of the courts in determining competing claims to party nominations.
The court’s decision establishes Efosa as the rightful NDC nominee for Oredo Federal Constituency, subject to any further legal developments.
