An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola, has struck out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from a suit challenging the eligibility of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to conduct its elective convention in the Oyo State capital.
The decision followed INEC’s objection, in which the Commission argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, insisting that as a federal agency, it can only be sued before the Federal High Court.
The Commission subsequently prayed the court to strike out its name from the suit.
Justice Akintola upheld the objection and ruled that INEC be removed from the case on the grounds that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of a state high court.
However, he retained the remaining defendants, including the PDP, a party member, Folahan Malomo, and the chairman of the PDP zonal committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. The acting national chairman of the party, Umar Damagun, also remains a defendant.
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The matter has been adjourned to January 26, 2026, for further hearing.
Speaking after the ruling, counsel to the claimant, Musbau Adetunmbi (SAN), said INEC’s objection having been upheld, the case would now proceed against the remaining defendants.
Similarly, the PDP’s Oyo State legal adviser, Dapo Durosharan, confirmed that proceedings will continue on the adjourned date.
At its previous sitting on November 14, the court had reserved ruling on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction in the suit filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi regarding the party’s national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.
The convention went ahead as directed by the court and produced the Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Executive Committee.
