Ogun APC Crisis: Hunye Vows to Pursue Yayi Court Battle

ABEOKUTA — The camp of Ogun State governorship aspirant, Hon. Abayomi Hunye, has vowed to pursue its legal challenge against Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary to a logical conclusion.

Hunye, who is challenging the conduct of the APC primary election and Yayi’s nomination before a Federal High Court, has dismissed attempts by political operatives to influence the course of justice through financial power and political connections.

Central to Hunye’s lawsuit are questions surrounding statutory compliance, internal party democracy and alleged irregularities during the APC primary process.

Hunye’s legal team, led by Barrister Olamide Victor, questioned claims by the party leadership that the aspirant had been suspended before the primary.

“If I was genuinely suspended on April 7, why did the party accept my ₦50 million payment for the nomination form on April 28? Why was my application processed, and why was I cleared by the screening committee to contest?” Hunye queried.

The legal team also raised questions over alleged inconsistencies in nomination forms Yayi previously submitted under oath to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during his political contests in Lagos State.

Hunye’s lawyers argued that alleged discrepancies involving state-of-origin documentation and other declarations required proper judicial scrutiny, insisting that any established violation of the law should not be overlooked.

Amid allegations that political interests were attempting to use financial influence to interfere with the judicial process, Hunye expressed confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.

He maintained that his case was supported by evidence and grounded in the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“We have chosen evidence. We have chosen the courts. We have chosen peace, and we will continue to choose the law,” Hunye said.

“No amount of war chest or political intimidation can rewrite the law or buy the integrity of our noble judges.”

Addressing speculation about political lobbying around INEC following the publication of candidates’ lists, Hunye’s camp cautioned against interpreting routine administrative publications as a judicial determination of the dispute.

Hunye also expressed confidence that INEC, under its chairman, would respect the rule of law and comply with any applicable judicial decisions.

“The governing principle is clear: administrative publication by INEC must never be confused with judicial determination, and no party or politician should consider themselves above the law,” he said.

As legal proceedings continue, Hunye’s legal team warned that failure by the APC leadership to address the alleged irregularities in Ogun West could undermine the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections.

The team urged the court to examine the issues raised in the suit and uphold the principles of internal party democracy.

The court’s eventual decision is expected to determine the legal issues presented by the parties. Hunye, however, has maintained that he will not withdraw his challenge, insisting that the judicial process must take precedence over political considerations.