The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially reinstated Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate for the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election. This decision follows a Court of Appeal ruling that overturned a previous Federal High Court judgment which had favored Olusola Ebiseni.
In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, INEC stated:
“The Commission was yesterday, 14th November 2024, served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement of the Court of Appeal… In obedience to the court order, the Commission has restored Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus, whose name was first published as the Labour Party candidate for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier ruled in favor of Ebiseni, directing INEC to recognize him as the Labour Party candidate for . However, the appellate court, in a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, struck down the Federal High Court ruling, citing lack of jurisdiction.
This legal victory for Ayodele Festus solidifies his position as the Labour Party’s legitimate candidate just days before the election.
The Labour Party has lauded the judgment as a reaffirmation of justice and transparency, urging supporters to rally behind Ayodele Festus.
With the court’s decision and INEC’s swift compliance, all eyes are now on the Labour Party as it prepares for the highly anticipated governorship election in Ondo State.
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