Ondo 2024: INEC Reinstates Labour Party Candidate Initially Removed by Federal High Court

Just hours before the Ondo State Governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinstated Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as the Labour Party (LP) candidate. This decision follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal, which overturned a previous Federal High Court judgment that had directed INEC to recognize Olusola Ebiseni as the party’s candidate.

INEC, in a statement shared on its X handle, confirmed that Ayodele’s name was initially published as the LP’s candidate for the 2024 Ondo election. The commission clarified that on November 14, 2024, it received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Court of Appeal ruling, which nullified the Federal High Court’s decision.

The Federal High Court, in a September 27, 2024 ruling, had ordered INEC to accept Olusola Ebiseni as the LP’s candidate in the election, under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024. However, in the appeal (reference number CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024) filed by the Labour Party, the Court of Appeal struck down the judgment, citing lack of jurisdiction.

In compliance with the court’s ruling, INEC has reinstated Ayodele Festus, who was originally named as the Labour Party candidate, and updated its website accordingly for public information.