A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has removed 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 rightful winner of the party’s primary election.
Justice Chuka Obiozor delivered the judgement on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in a suit filed by Efosa against the party and other defendants.
Omosigho currently represents Oredo East Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly.
The suit, marked FHC/B/C/60/2026, challenged the declaration of Omosigho as the winner of the NDC primary election for the federal constituency. Efosa asked the court to recognise him as the legitimate candidate.
Other defendants included the NDC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the party’s Edo State chairman, Engr. David Olukoga, and Frederick Endorokeme Owotorufa, who chaired the party’s state primaries and nominations committees.
In his ruling, Justice Obiozor criticised what he described as INEC’s frustrating tendencies in the handling of pre-election disputes.
The judge expressed concern that the reliance on internal party mechanisms to resolve disputes arising from primary elections could be used to delay or frustrate aspirants seeking judicial redress.
He held that the evidence presented before the court established that Efosa participated in the primary election.
According to the judge, Efosa’s participation was confirmed by the returning officers and chairmen of all 12 wards in Oredo Federal Constituency.
Justice Obiozor further stated that the party leadership failed to provide evidence showing that Omosigho participated in and won the primary election.
He contrasted this with Efosa’s case, which he said was supported by evidence confirming his participation in the exercise.
Consequently, the court ordered the NDC to submit Efosa’s name to INEC as its candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election.
Efosa, Omosigho React To Judgement
Reacting to the ruling, Efosa described the decision as a victory for the rule of law.
He expressed appreciation to the NDC’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, for his support and urged other aspirants to put their differences aside and work together ahead of the January 16, 2027, election.
Efosa said unity among party members would be important to the NDC’s efforts to secure victory at the polls.
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Meanwhile, Omosigho appealed for calm following the court’s decision, thanking the party leadership, members, his supporters and residents of Oredo and Edo State for their continued support.
He expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would carefully examine the matter and deliver justice in accordance with the law.
The lawmaker said he remained committed to pursuing the case through the appropriate legal channels while continuing to advocate purposeful representation, accountability, youth empowerment and development in Oredo Federal Constituency.
Omosigho also urged his supporters to avoid inflammatory statements, respect the judiciary and remain peaceful as the legal process continues.
“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,” he said.
He added that his decision to remain calm should not be interpreted as surrendering his position, insisting that he would continue to pursue justice through lawful means.