The Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has dismissed a lawsuit filed by 16 political parties, including the Action Alliance, challenging the scheduling of local government elections set for November 16, 2024.
The political parties sought to compel the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) to delay the elections, citing a lack of consultation with political stakeholders as grounds for the postponement.
Presiding over the case (Action Alliance & 15 Ors v. OGSIEC & Anor, suit no. AB/577/2024), Justice T. A. Okunsokan delivered a decisive judgment rejecting the parties’ claims.
The judge clarified that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor electoral laws mandate OGSIEC to consult political parties when setting election dates.
He noted that OGSIEC’s decision to proceed without formal consultation was within the commission’s legal rights, dismissing allegations of unilateral and authoritarian action.
Justice Okunsokan emphasized that statutory responsibilities permit electoral bodies to act independently in scheduling elections, highlighting the autonomy granted to such commissions under Nigerian law.
The parties also argued that the local government election date should be moved to avoid a potential overlap with the Ondo State governorship election, also scheduled for November 16.
They expressed concerns that concurrent elections in neighboring states could complicate logistical arrangements and affect turnout, leading to possible disruptions and a lack of adequate resources for managing both events effectively.
However, Justice Okunsokan ruled that this scheduling coincidence did not constitute a legitimate basis for a postponement in Ogun State.
He stated that the proximity of these events did not impair OGSIEC’s ability to administer the elections smoothly.
Furthermore, Justice Okunsokan underscored the importance of respecting OGSIEC’s authority to set election dates, warning that any undue interference could undermine the commission’s statutory independence.
He pointed out that adjusting the date based on mere scheduling conflicts could establish a precedent for political parties to challenge electoral timetables without substantial cause. The judge maintained that such challenges must be grounded in concrete legal objections rather than procedural preferences, thus affirming the commission’s timeline and the sanctity of its decision.
The court’s decision to dismiss the case upholds the original November 16 election date, effectively reinforcing the role of OGSIEC in conducting timely and orderly local government polls.
Following the judgment, all parties are expected to comply with the court’s directives and prepare for the elections as planned. This ruling also sends a strong message on judicial support for the independence of electoral bodies, emphasizing that administrative decisions made within the bounds of the law must be respected by all stakeholders.
With this verdict, OGSIEC is now fully authorized to proceed with preparations for the forthcoming elections, thereby enabling Ogun State residents to exercise their civic rights at the local government level without further legal hurdles.
