The Federal High Court in Akure on Tuesday granted the request of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to withdraw from a suit challenging the nomination of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olaiyide Adelami, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the November 2024 gubernatorial election.
The suit, originally filed by NNPP’s candidate, Mr. Olugbenga Edema, sought an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke Aiyedatiwa and Adelami’s nomination. However, in a dramatic legal twist, NNPP’s counsel, Adelanke Akinrata, informed the court that the party had neither been consulted nor authorized the lawsuit. He further stated that the NNPP had accepted the election outcome and even congratulated Aiyedatiwa.
Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, in her ruling, struck out NNPP’s name from the suit, effectively leaving Edema to pursue the case alone.
The development not only marked a legal setback for Edema but also highlighted his growing isolation within the political landscape. Once a member of the APC, Edema defected to the NNPP after the party primaries. However, with the NNPP’s withdrawal from the case, he now finds himself without party backing in his legal battle.
Legal experts note that Nigeria’s electoral laws do not permit independent candidacy, raising questions about the viability of Edema’s continued litigation.
Observers described the courtroom scene as symbolic, with Edema walking away alone after the ruling—a moment reminiscent of Sam Selvon’s novel The Lonely Londoners, which explores themes of isolation and identity.
This perspective was insightfully captured by Allen Sowore, Esq., Senior Special Assistant to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication, in his commentary titled The Lonely “Londona”, where he drew parallels between Edema’s predicament and the struggles of immigrants in Selvon’s novel.
With the NNPP’s withdrawal, all eyes are now on Edema’s next move, as his legal and political options appear increasingly limited.
