Court to Rule March 10 Over APC, OGSIEC in Pre-Election Suit by Akinwande

A Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta has fixed March 10, 2026, to deliver its ruling on an application filed by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Yewa North Local Government of the state, Engr. Gbenga Akinwande, seeking a downward review of the N6 million cost earlier, awarded against him in a pre-election matter arising from the local government elections.

Our correspondent gathered that Engr. Akinwande, an aspirant in the 2024 local government council election for Yewa North Local Government Area, clarified that his application seeking the transfer of his suit from the Federal High Court to the Ogun State High Court was granted. However, the court directed him to pay a cost of ₦6 million before further proceedings, a decision he is currently appealing.

The suit, obtained by our correspondent, marked FHC/AB/CS/144/2024, has the APC, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), and Dr. Olusola Samuel Akinbode as respondents.

It was gathered that Engr. Akinwande, on January 21st, appeared in court to defend the case, having disengaged the legal team that previously handled the matter on his behalf, and the case was adjourned till February 4 for hearing.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, Engr. Akinwande again appeared in person before Justice Abiodun Adeyemi, and formally moved his application, which was supported by a 23-paragraph affidavit and a written address, urging the court to reconsider the N6 million cost awarded on October 15, 2025.

In his submission, the applicant described the cost as excessive, punitive, and beyond his financial capacity.

He argued that he should not be penalised for alleged lapses on the part of his former counsel, having already paid professional fees for their services.

Engr. Akinwande further contended that granting the application would not occasion any prejudice to the respondents and appealed to the court to impose a more moderate cost.

However, counsel representing the respondents opposed the application. Edwards Ayo-Odugbesan, lead counsel to the 1st and 3rd respondents, alongside G.O. Agboola, who held brief for Wale Abeeb Ajayi for OGSIEC, maintained that the application lacked merit.

They argued that costs are awarded as compensation for expenses lawfully incurred and that claims of financial hardship or appeals to sympathy do not constitute valid legal grounds for setting aside or reducing such awards.

The respondents urged the court to dismiss the application in its entirety.

Justice Adeyemi, after hearing arguments from both sides and reviewing the written addresses, adjourned the matter till March 10, 2026, for ruling.