The political battle over the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket for Oredo Federal Constituency in Edo State has taken a new turn following a Federal High Court judgment that removed Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho as the party’s candidate and recognised Omo-Osagie Efosa, popularly known as Mighty Man, as the winner of its primary election.
The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, by the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, directed the NDC to recognise Omo-Osagie as its duly elected candidate and forward his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the January 16, 2027 National Assembly election.
The case, marked FHC/B/C/60/2026, was instituted by Omo-Osagie against Omosigho, the NDC, INEC, the party’s Edo State chairman, Engr. David Olukoga, and Frederick Endorokeme Owotorufa, chairman of the party’s State Primaries and Nominations Committee.
In his ruling, Justice Chuka Obizor held that evidence presented before the court established that Omo-Osagie participated in the party’s primary election. His participation was reportedly supported by evidence endorsed by the returning officers and chairmen of the 12 wards in Oredo Federal Constituency.
The court found that the party leadership failed to establish that Omosigho participated in and won the primary election. Based on the evidence before it, the court ordered the party to recognise Omo-Osagie as the winner and submit his name to INEC as its candidate for the constituency.
The judge also expressed concern over what he described as frustrating practices in the handling of pre-election disputes, warning that delays and reliance on internal party mechanisms could impede aspirants seeking judicial redress.
Reacting to the judgment, Omo-Osagie described the decision as a victory for the rule of law and democratic accountability. He also expressed appreciation to the NDC’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, for his support and called on party members and other aspirants to unite ahead of the 2027 election.
However, Omosigho has rejected the outcome and indicated that he will challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
In a personally signed statement titled “Oredo Federal Constituency: Remain Calm, United and Confident in the Judicial Process,” Omosigho thanked the party’s leadership and members, his supporters, and residents of Oredo and Edo State for their continued solidarity.
He urged party members and supporters to remain calm, peaceful and united while the legal process continues, expressing confidence that the appellate court would 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,” he said.
Omosigho also cautioned his supporters against inflammatory statements, urging them to respect the judiciary and remain law-abiding as the dispute proceeds through the courts.
“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,” he stated.
The competing positions place the NDC’s Oredo ticket at the centre of an ongoing legal dispute ahead of the 2027 polls. While the Federal High Court has ordered the party to recognise Omo-Osagie and forward his name to INEC, Omosigho’s stated intention to appeal signals that the contest may continue before the appellate court.
The case also highlights the legal significance of party primary records and the responsibility of political parties to demonstrate that their candidates emerged through the prescribed nomination process.
