The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, struck out the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) challenging the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo Federal Constituency by-election held on August 16, 2025.

The Tribunal dismissed the petition for lack of diligent prosecution.

During proceedings, counsel to the petitioner, Mr. Ebenezer Akingbuli, informed the Tribunal that his witness was absent for the second consecutive day and requested an adjournment.

However, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), counsel to Hon. Elegbeji Ayoola Adesola, and Dr. Remi Olatubora (SAN), counsel to the APC, opposed the application, urging the Tribunal to strike out the case.

The Tribunal had previously granted the petitioner November 10 and 11 to present its case, warning that the witness must appear. The witness’s continued absence led to the dismissal of the petition on Wednesday.

With the SDP’s petition struck out, Hon. Elegbeji Ayoola Adesola of the APC now faces only the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Reacting to the ruling, the State Chairman of SDP, Dr. Yinka Ola-Williams, said the party did not agree with the Tribunal’s decision. He stated that the party’s national leadership would consult internally to determine whether to appeal.

“We hope the court would have done otherwise. We will consult the party, and the national office will take the appropriate decision on whether to appeal or not,” Ola-Williams said, adding that the decision ultimately rests with the SDP’s national body.

Meanwhile, former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has faulted his suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as illogical and politically motivated to edge him out of the 2027 senatorial race.

Daniel and Hon. Kunle Folarin were reportedly suspended by the party’s leadership over alleged anti-party activities, with both asked to appear before a disciplinary committee before their suspension could be lifted.

Reacting to the development through his media aide, Steve Oliyide, on Tuesday, Daniel said his purported suspension was not only unethical but a calculated attempt to undermine his political chances ahead of 2027.

He argued that the party leadership lacked the constitutional authority to suspend him in such a manner, noting that only the state chairman and secretary could issue a valid suspension, and neither had communicated any such action officially.

The senator questioned why his suspension was announced on social media without any official letter or verified invitation from the state or national leadership of the party.

He also criticised a statement allegedly issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniran, describing it as an unsigned release aimed at legitimising a suspension order that “does not exist.”