Justice Okeke Withholds Certified Copies in Iyabo Obasanjo Party Membership Suit
Controversy has trailed Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/117/2026, Sogbesan Amoo vs INEC & Ors, challenging the eligibility of PDP candidate for Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo, over alleged non-membership.
Sources at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta Division, told this newspaper that applications for Certified True Copies (CTC) of court processes filed in the matter have not been released since last week.
A registry official who pleaded anonymity said the file was with the presiding judge, Hon. Justice O.O. Okeke, and that CTC issuance had been put on hold by the Judge.
The suit, filed under Section 285(14) of the Constitution, is a pre-election matter seeking to disqualify Iyabo Obasanjo on grounds that her name was absent from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC under Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2022/2026.
Legal practitioners who reacted to the development said issuance of CTC is an administrative function of the Registrar under Section 104 of the Evidence Act, and not subject to judicial approval. The big question is why then, is this Judge doing this.
“CTC is a constitutional right under Section 36(7). The registrar is the custodian. A judge does not approve CTCs,” a Senior Advocate said.
The delay has raised concerns among civil society groups monitoring compliance with Section 77, which was the basis for disqualification of candidates in INEC v ZLP (SC/CV/495/2026).
As at press time, the Deputy Chief Registrar, FHC Abeokuta, has not issued an official response .
The pre-election window of 180 days for hearing continues to count, despite the actions of this Judge.
