The Owo/Ose Progressive Group warmly welcomes the landmark judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which declared Barr. Abdughani Rotimi Arobo (GRA) as the lawful winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.
This judgment is a victory for democracy, justice, and the supremacy of the will of APC members in Owo and Ose Federal Constituency. It has reaffirmed what genuine party faithful have maintained from the very beginning—that the delegates freely chose Barr. Ghani Rotimi Arobo as their preferred candidate.
According to the judgment, Barr. Arobo scored 7,959 lawful votes in Owo Local Government Area and 2,583 lawful votes in Ose Local Government Area, giving him a total of 10,542 lawful votes, making him the undisputed winner of the APC primary election conducted on 16 May 2026.
The court consequently ordered the APC to recognise only Barr. Abdughani Rotimi Arobo as its candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency. It further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reopen its nomination portal for the purpose of uploading his name as the party’s rightful candidate. The court also restrained the APC and INEC from recognising or dealing with any other person as the party’s candidate for the constituency.
For years, many party members questioned the circumstances that led to the emergence of Hon. Timehin Adelegbe as the APC candidate despite the outcome of the primary election. With this judgment, the court has settled that dispute by affirming Barr. Arobo as the lawful winner of the primary election.
The Owo/Ose Progressive Group states unequivocally that Hon. Timehin Adelegbe was never the choice of the majority of APC delegates in Owo/Ose. The delegates overwhelmingly voted for Barr. Ghani Rotimi Arobo with 10,542 lawful votes, yet that mandate was not reflected in the party’s nomination. Today’s judgment has restored the mandate freely given by APC delegates.
After eight years of representation, the people of Owo/Ose deserve a new direction built on purposeful leadership, effective representation, and tangible development. Our constituency deserves a representative who will attract meaningful federal projects, empower youths and women, improve infrastructure, and provide a stronger voice for Owo/Ose at the National Assembly.
We therefore call on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to comply fully and immediately with the judgment of the Federal High Court. Respect for the rule of law is the bedrock of democracy, and the party must demonstrate its commitment to justice, fairness, and internal democracy.
We congratulate Barr. Abdughani Rotimi Arobo (GRA) on this well-deserved judicial victory and commend every APC member who remained steadfast in defending the integrity of the party’s primary election.
This victory is not for one individual alone; it is a victory for democracy, the rule of law, the sanctity of the ballot, and the people of Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.
The mandate has been restored. Justice has prevailed. The voice of the delegates has been vindicated. Owo/Ose is ready for a new era of purposeful representation.
Signed:
Owo/Ose Progressive Group
