Oyo LG Elections Face Court Challenge Over OYSIEC’s Candidate-Screening Powers
A Federal High Court in Abuja is hearing a suit challenging OYSIEC’s authority to screen candidates for Oyo State’s 2026/2027 local government elections, with the claimant arguing that the commission’s powers are limited to verifying documents submitted by political parties.
The Dispute Over Who Can Screen Candidates
A Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced proceedings in a suit seeking to halt Oyo State’s 2026/2027 local government elections over a challenge to the powers of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).
The suit was filed by Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi against OYSIEC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Justice Obiora Egwuatu had ordered that the defendants be served with the originating processes and fixed September 10 for a report on service.
At the centre of the case is OYSIEC’s Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued on March 4, 2026. The claimant is challenging provisions dealing with the screening of candidates for the council elections.
What the Claimant Is Challenging
Oyeniyi argues that OYSIEC’s constitutional role is limited to verifying documents submitted by political parties for nominated candidates, rather than independently screening those candidates.
He is asking the court to determine whether OYSIEC has the power to screen chairmanship, councillorship and substituted candidates under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
He is also challenging Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s timetable, arguing that they conflict with the Constitution and Electoral Act and could affect citizens’ rights to contest and vote for candidates of their choice.
A Question With Wider Electoral Implications
Beyond the immediate Oyo elections, the case raises an important question about the boundaries of state electoral commissions.
If the court accepts the claimant’s interpretation, it could affect how candidate qualification and verification are handled in future local government elections. If OYSIEC’s position is ultimately upheld, its authority to scrutinise candidates would receive stronger judicial backing.
The claimant is also seeking an order preventing INEC from releasing the certified voters’ register for Oyo State to OYSIEC until the disputed provisions are resolved.
For now, however, the court has not determined the substantive issues. The next step is confirmation that OYSIEC and INEC have been properly served, after which the substantive proceedings can continue.
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