Court sacks NDC Reps candidate in Edo

Court Sacks NDC Candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Declares Efosa Winner

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has sacked Hon. Uyi Frank Omosigho as the National Democratic Congress, NDC, candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election and declared Omo-Osagie Efosa the authentic candidate.

DAILY POST reports that Omosigho is currently representing Oredo East Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly.

Justice Chuka Obiozor delivered the judgement on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in a suit instituted by Efosa against the party and other defendants.

The suit, numbered FHC/B/C/60/2026, challenged the declaration of Omosigho as the winner of the party’s primary election. Efosa asked the court to recognise him as the rightful winner.

Other defendants in the suit included the NDC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the party’s state chairman, Engr. David Olukoga, and Frederick Endorokeme Owotorufa, who chaired the party’s state primaries and nominations committees.

In his judgement, Justice Obiozor criticised what he described as INEC’s frustrating tendencies in pre-election cases.

He said reliance on internal party mechanisms for resolving disputes arising from primaries was being used to delay and frustrate aggrieved aspirants seeking redress.

The judge held that the evidence before the court showed that Efosa participated in the primary election.

According to him, the plaintiff’s participation was confirmed and endorsed by the returning officers and chairmen of all 12 wards in Oredo Federal Constituency.

Justice Obiozor added that the party leadership failed to establish that Omosigho participated in and won the primary election, unlike Efosa, whose participation was supported by evidence.

The court consequently ordered the party to submit Efosa’s name to INEC as its candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency.

Reacting to the judgement, Efosa described it as a victory for the rule of law.

He thanked the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, for his support and called on other aspirants to unite ahead of the January 16, 2027, election to ensure the party’s victory.

Also reacting, Omosigho thanked the NDC leadership and members, his supporters, and the people of Oredo and Edo State for their continued support and solidarity.

He urged party members and supporters to remain calm, peaceful and united while awaiting the outcome of the judicial process.

Omosigho expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would carefully consider the matter and deliver justice in accordance with the law.

He said he remained committed to pursuing justice through the appropriate legal channels while focusing on his vision for purposeful representation, accountability, youth empowerment and the development of Oredo Federal Constituency.

“I appeal to our supporters to avoid inflammatory statements, respect the judiciary and remain law-abiding. Let us continue to stand together in unity and confidence.

“Our calmness is not surrender, and our patience is not weakness. We remain determined to pursue justice with dignity and respect for the rule of law,” he added.