Oyo Deputy Chairman, Four Others Ask Court to Stop Re-election
The crisis rocking the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has taken a new twist as five Oyo State officers of the party have dragged its National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and National Secretary, Oyadeyi Ayodele Adebayo, before the Federal High Court, Ibadan, over alleged attempts to secure a third term in office.
The plaintiffs are the Oyo State Deputy Chairman, John Adejumo; Secretary, Oke Ademola; Assistant Secretary, Aderoju Bolatito; Treasurer, Babajide Musa; and Assistant Treasurer, Lamidi Quadri.
In the suit marked FHC/IB/CS/122/2026, filed at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, the five party officers are asking the court to declare that Dantalle and Adebayo, having allegedly served two consecutive four-year terms in their respective offices, are constitutionally barred from seeking a third substantive term.
The defendants in the suit are the Allied Peoples Movement as first defendant; Dantalle as second defendant; Adebayo as third defendant; and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as fourth defendant.
The plaintiffs are contending that Article 14(a) and 14(b) of the APM Constitution limits the tenure of elected party officers to four years, renewable once, thereby making two terms the maximum.
They are asking the court to declare that any attempt by the National Chairman and National Secretary to seek re-election for a third substantive term is contrary to the APM Constitution and relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The plaintiffs also want the court to restrain INEC from recognising, accepting or acting on any re-election of Dantalle and Adebayo as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
Among the questions submitted for determination is whether APM elected officers and members are bound by the provisions of the party’s constitution and required to act strictly in accordance with it.
The plaintiffs also want the court to determine whether an elected officer who has served two consecutive four-year terms in a specific office can lawfully contest or be re-elected for a third substantive term under Article 14(a) and 14(b) of the APM Constitution.
They further asked the court to determine whether the party’s General Congress or Convention can lawfully approve, authorise or ratify the election of an officer in a manner that creates or extends a third substantive tenure in violation of the party’s constitution.
Another issue for determination is whether INEC can legally recognise or act on any notice, resolution or election result from the APM purporting to return the National Chairman and National Secretary for a third term in violation of the Constitution and the party’s own rules.
The plaintiffs argued that the provisions of the APM Constitution must be respected by all elected officers and members of the party.
Speaking with journalists after filing the suit, the plaintiffs alleged that the Oyo State Chairman of the party, Otunba Fagbemi Adegbenro, is also serving a third term in office.
The latest legal action adds to the internal challenges confronting the APM as the party positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
