Oyo SDP Crisis: Oladele Sues Party and INEC Over Nomination

Chief Saheed Oladele, claiming to be the governorship candidate for the Oyo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has initiated legal action against the party leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The lawsuit, filed by Mr. Akinlolu Oyebamiji of AOC Chambers, challenges the submission of Mr. Michael Okunlade’s name as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 general election.

Oyebamiji argues that the nomination process violated statutory requirements, specifically the Electoral Act 2026, as Okunlade did not obtain the necessary expression-of-interest and nomination forms before the deadline. The suit seeks a judicial declaration that Okunlade's nomination is null and void due to the lack of consent from Oladele, who was the only participating aspirant.

Oladele is also requesting an injunction to prevent Okunlade from presenting himself as the candidate and seeks recognition from INEC as the sole candidate for the gubernatorial election. The court is expected to schedule a hearing for the preliminary applications.