Omosigho: Sacked by the court
The candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Oredo Federal Constituency, Frank Uyi Omosigho has lost his ticket to Efosa Omo-Osagie, popularly called Mighty Man.
The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City on Tuesday ruled that Omo-Osagie is the authentic candidate of the party in the area as Omosigho did not participate in the election, according to evidence before the court.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the presiding judge, Professor Chuka Obizor, gave the ruling in the suit marked FHC/B/C/60/2026 between Osagie Efosa Omo as the plaintiff and Omosigho Uyi Frank, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), David Olukoga, State Chairman of the NDC and Mr. Frederick Endorokeme Owotorufa who was the chairman for the state Primaries and Nominations Committees as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants.
But rejecting the verdict, Omosigho, in a personally signed statement, stated that he would be approaching the Court of Appeal for further adjudication.
In his ruling, Professor Obizor frowned at what he described as frustrating tendencies of the INEC during pre-election cases. The judge also said that the issue of internal mechanism in resolving party primary crises could be used to delay and frustrate aggrieved aspirants seeking redress.
Citing various instances and constitutional backing, Prof. Obizor said from all evidence before him, it was obvious that the plaintiff participated in the primary election as confirmed and endorsed by the returning officers and the Chairmen of all the 12 wards in Oredo Federal Constituency, concluding that the leadership of the party could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that the first defendant, Omosigho, participated in the primary election and won unlike the plaintiff did.
He therefore directed the party to declare Omo-Osagie as the winner and send his name to the INEC as the candidate of the party for Oredo Federal Constituency.
Reacting to the judgement, the victor said it was victory for the rule of law and appreciated the national leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson for the support, and called on other aspirants to come together for the main election to ensure victory in the January 16th, 2027, election.
In his statement titled: Oredo Federal Constituency: Remain calm, United and Confident in the judicial Process, Omosigho appealed for calm by his supporters, expressing confidence that the appellate court would deliver justice in the matter.
The full statement read:
“I sincerely appreciate the leadership and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), my supporters, and the good people of Oredo and Edo State for their continued support and solidarity.
“Following the recent High Court judgement, I urge all party members and supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and united as we await the outcome of the judicial process. I am confident that the Court of Appeal will carefully consider the matter and deliver justice in accordance with the law.
“I reaffirm my commitment to pursuing justice through the appropriate legal channels, while remaining focused on my vision for purposeful representation, accountability, youth empowerment, and the development of Oredo Federal Constituency.
“I appeal to our supporters to avoid inflammatory statements, respect the judiciary, and remain law-abiding. Let us continue to stand together in unity and confidence.
“Our calmness is not surrender, and our patience is not weakness. We remain determined to pursue justice with dignity and respect for the rule of law.
“Thank you for your continued support and confidence.”