By JKNewsMedia
DISPUTED RESULTS from the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primary in Shomolu have triggered a legal battle, with former Lagos lawmaker Rotimi Olowo dragging the party before the Lagos State High Court in Yaba.
He is demanding to be declared the rightful winner of the election held on 10 May.
Olowo alleged that the process was riddled with irregularities and failed to meet the standard of a credible party primary.
At Tuesday’s court session, Justice Mojisola Balogun granted permission for substituted service, allowing the court documents to be delivered via WhatsApp and pasted at the defendants’ addresses.
The defendants, Ashimi Lateef, declared winner of the contest; Ogalla; APC Peace Committee chairman Lawal Pedro; and the party, were absent in court.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), however, has been formally served.
Olowo’s legal counsel, Philip Jimoh Lasisi (SAN), said the court accepted the mode of service to ensure the case proceeds without delay.
He noted that Olowo seeks two key reliefs: a declaration as the rightful winner and an order compelling the APC to produce the election materials used in the primary.
“The results announced by the party do not match the number of accredited voters,” Lasisi stated. “Only 25 delegates were accredited, yet 26 votes were declared.
Ashimi Lateef received 23 votes, Bowale Sosimi got 3, while Olowo and 15 other aspirants received none. That is mathematically impossible.”
The judge adjourned the matter to 7 July for accelerated hearing.
The primary, held at the APC secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja, has caused unrest among Shomolu party members.
In May, angry residents and loyalists protested the outcome, alleging that the selection of Lateef was orchestrated and did not reflect the will of the delegates.
Protesters insisted the process lacked transparency and claimed that Olowo, known to have strong grassroots support, could not have legitimately scored zero in a fair vote.
With the Lagos local government elections set for 12 July, the court case has cast uncertainty over APC’s readiness in Shomolu.
