The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Friday dismissed six appeals challenging the decision of the trial court in the dispute over the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State. The decision affirms Rotimi Arobo as the APC candidate for the constituency.
The appeals challenged the Federal High Court’s ruling recognising Arobo as the winner of the party’s primary election and its lawful candidate. In that ruling, the trial court held that Arobo secured the highest lawful votes cast at the primary held on May 16, 2026, and was entitled to be nominated for the House of Representatives seat.
Welcoming the appellate court’s decision, Arobo expressed appreciation to the Court for its consideration of the appeals. He also thanked APC leaders, members, supporters and well-wishers for their patience, prayers and encouragement throughout the legal process.
He said the ruling was an opportunity for party members to turn their attention from disagreement to the shared work of strengthening the APC and serving the people of Owo and Ose.
“I am grateful to the Court for its decision and to everyone who stood by us throughout this process. I appeal to all our party members and supporters to come together in the spirit of unity. We may have had different views, but our party is our party. The APC belongs to all of us, and our strength lies in working together.”
Arobo, however, urged members and stakeholders to respect the Court’s decision, avoid inflammatory statements and extend a hand of fellowship to one another. He said reconciliation and cooperation would help the party move forward and focus on the needs and aspirations of the people of Owo/Ose.
He further called on APC members, supporters and stakeholders to remain peaceful and united, adding that the party’s common interests must take precedence over individual differences.
