Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has formally dismissed a legal challenge brought by APC aspirant Matthew Oyerinmade. The suit aimed to contest the candidacy of Festus Ayodele Adefiranye for the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Oyerinmade initially requested to withdraw the lawsuit citing personal reasons. This request was presented by his legal representative, Dr. Remi Olatubora, SAN. However, the move faced strong opposition from Adefiranye’s legal team, consisting of Abiola Olawole, Samuel Ntibi, and Daramola Martins. They contended that since legal arguments had already commenced, a simple withdrawal was no longer permissible under the law.
Agreeing with the defense, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that because issues had been joined, the case could not be withdrawn voluntarily. Consequently, she dismissed the matter without awarding costs. This decision clarifies that the case was not allowed to be withdrawn but was instead thrown out by the court, potentially impacting Oyerinmade’s future political plans. While claims surfaced from the MATO Mandate Group suggesting a withdrawal had been authorized, these reports were inaccurate. Reports indicate that Oyerinmade, who was previously supported by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during the primaries, may be planning a move to the Peoples Democratic Party to seek a senatorial seat.
