The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, has dismissed a suit filed by an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Mr Matthew Oyerinmade, popularly known as MATO, challenging the emergence of Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye as the party’s candidate for the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election.

The case was dismissed on Wednesday after Oyerinmade, through his counsel, Dr Remi Olatubora, SAN, sought to withdraw the suit.

Olatubora told the court that his client wished to discontinue the case “for personal reasons.”

However, counsel to Adefiranye, led by Abiola Olawole, with Samuel Ntibi and Daramola Martins, opposed the application, arguing that the parties had already joined issues and that the plaintiff could no longer simply withdraw the action.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik upheld the defence’s position and dismissed the suit.

The judge ruled: “Issues have been joined in this matter. I will make an order of dismissal.”

The court also ordered: “I make no order as to cost.”

The ruling effectively brings to an end Oyerinmade’s legal challenge to Adefiranye’s candidacy.

The development contradicts an earlier statement issued by Segun Odidi on behalf of the MATO Mandate Group, which claimed that the court had granted an order permitting the withdrawal of the suit.

Oyerinmade was among the aspirants backed by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who contested the APC National Assembly ticket but lost in the party’s primary election.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the development said Oyerinmade had concluded plans to leave the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he is expected to pursue his political ambition to contest the Ondo South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general election.

The development, however, may raise legal questions over any subsequent attempt by Oyerinmade to secure the PDP senatorial ticket.

Legal observers noted that the court did not merely record the withdrawal of the action but dismissed the suit after accepting the defence argument that issues had already been joined.

They said the distinction could become relevant if the former APC aspirant seeks to pursue related legal proceedings or challenges in connection with his future political aspirations.