The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the replacement of Olusola Ebiseni as the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the Ondo State governorship election slated for Saturday.
The decision follows a Court of Appeal ruling.
INEC confirmed the development on its official X handle on Friday evening, stating that Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus, whose name was originally published as the Labour Party candidate, has been reinstated.
The decision comes just hours before the election, creating a dramatic twist for the Labour Party, which has been gearing up for a strong contest.
The appellate court ruling, which upheld Festus’s candidacy, nullified Ebiseni’s claim to the ticket, forcing INEC to make the last-minute adjustment.
The post reads, “The Commission was yesterday 14th November 2024 served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement of the Court of Appeal which set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja Division.
“The FHC, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024 had on 27th September 2024 ordered the Commission to accept Olusola Ebiseni as the candidate of the Labour Party for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election.
“However, in the appeal with reference number CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 filed by the Labour Party, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division struck out the judgement of the FHC for lack of jurisdiction.
“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 and uploaded same to our website for public information.”