By Isaac Mission
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Matthew Oyerinmade, challenging the emergence of Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye as the party’s candidate for the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The matter came to an end on Wednesday after Oyerinmade’s counsel, led by Dr Remi Olatubora (SAN), informed the court that his client wanted to withdraw the case for personal reasons.
However, counsel to Adefiranye, Abiola Olawole, supported by Samuel Ntibi and Daramola Martins, opposed the application, arguing that the parties had already joined issues in the case.
Delivering her ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, agreed with the defence and dismissed the suit.
“Issues have been joined in this matter. I will make an order of dismissal,” the judge ruled.
The court also ordered that each party bear its own costs.
How the dispute started
Oyerinmade was one of the aspirants who contested the APC National Assembly primary for the federal constituency.
He reportedly enjoyed the backing of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, but lost the party’s ticket to Adefiranye.
Following the outcome of the primary, Oyerinmade approached the court to challenge the process and the emergence of Adefiranye, even after the APC submitted its candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
His decision to withdraw the case was opposed by the defence on the grounds that the issues between the parties had already been joined.
The court consequently dismissed the matter rather than simply recording a voluntary withdrawal.
Oyerinmade reportedly considers new political platform
The development comes amid reports that Oyerinmade may be considering a move away from the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A source cited by Nigerian Tribune claimed that the politician had concluded plans to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and could seek the party’s ticket to contest the Ondo South Senatorial District.
If the reported move materialises, it would mark a significant shift in Oyerinmade’s political trajectory following the dismissal of his legal challenge to Adefiranye’s candidacy.
For now, Adefiranye’s emergence as the APC candidate for the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency remains unchallenged in the dismissed suit, as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
