Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Friday upheld the Federal High Court judgment recognising AbdulGhani Arobo as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State.
The appellate court dismissed the five appeals filed by Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, member representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency; Engr. Kayode Ijalana, Dr Abiola Oshodi and the APC, challenging the judgment of the Federal High Court.
The appeals sought to overturn the trial court’s decision which recognised Arobo as the rightful APC candidate for the House of Representatives seat.
Arobo had dragged the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the court in a suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/26 over the party’s primary election held on May 16, 2026.
The trial court in a judgment delivered on August 5, 2026, held that Arobo secured the highest lawful votes cast at the primary, and was entitled to be nominated for the House of Representatives seat.
The Appeal Court in a unanimous judgment affirmed Arobo as the APC candidate for the constituency.
Reacting, Arobo expressed appreciation to the Court for its consideration of the appeals.
He also thanked APC leaders, members, supporters and well-wishers for their patience, prayers and encouragement throughout the legal process.
Arobo said the ruling was an opportunity for party members to turn their attention from disagreement to the shared work of strengthening the APC and serving the people of Owo and Ose.
“I am grateful to the Court for its decision and to everyone who stood by us throughout this process. I appeal to all our party members and supporters to come together in the spirit of unity.
“We may have had different views, but our party is our party. The APC belongs to all of us, and our strength lies in working together,” he stated.
Arobo urged members and stakeholders to respect the Court’s decision, avoid inflammatory statements and extend a hand of fellowship to one another.
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