By Dayo Johnson Akure
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed a suit filed by APC aspirant, Mr. Matthew Oyerinmade, challenging the emergence of Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye as the party’s candidate for Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The case was dismissed after Oyerinmade sought to withdraw the suit “for personal reasons.”
His counsel, Dr. Remi Olatubora, SAN, told the court of the plaintiff’s intention to withdraw.
However, counsel to Adefiranye — Abiola Olawole, Samuel Ntibi and Daramola Martins opposed the application.
They argued that issues had already been joined in the matter and the law no longer permitted a unilateral withdrawal.
Ruling on the submissions, Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the defence.
The Presiding judge said that “issues have been joined in this matter. I will make an order of dismissal,” she ruled.
The court dismissed the suit and made no order as to cost, effectively ending Oyerinmade’s legal challenge against Adefiranye’s candidacy.
The development contradicts an earlier statement by Segun Odidi of the MATO Mandate Group, which claimed the court had granted an order permitting withdrawal.
Oyerinmade was among the aspirants backed by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who contested for the APC National Assembly ticket but lost in the primaries.
A source close to the aspirant said he has concluded plans to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where he intends to pursue the Ondo South Senatorial seat in 2027.
Legal experts, however, say the manner of dismissal could have implications for any future political ambition.
They noted that the judge did not allow withdrawal but dismissed the suit after upholding the defence’s argument that issues had been joined.
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