Appeal Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Ladipo Johnson’s NDC Candidacy
By KEMI KASUMU
The appeal, filed by Hon. Babasola Oludolapo Senbanjo against the NDC and two others, was dismissed on Thursday November 12, 2026 during a special sitting of Panel 1 of the appellate court.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has dismissed an appeal challenging the candidacy of Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Lagos Central Senatorial District.
This was contained in a statement signed by Ms. Tosin Aina, Media and Publicity Directorate, Team Ladipo Johnson for Lagos Central, copy of which was
The appeal, filed by Hon. Babasola Oludolapo Senbanjo against the NDC and two others, was dismissed on Thursday November 12, 2026 during a special sitting of Panel 1 of the appellate court.
The case, marked Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/1251/2026, challenged Ladipo Johnson’s candidacy and victory in the party’s senatorial primary.
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal held that following the dismissal of the appellant’s application for an extension of time in the time-bound pre-election matter, there was no appellant’s brief before it, while the time allowed for filing the brief had elapsed.
Consequently, the court invoked Order 19, Rule 10(2) of the Court of Appeal Rules 2021 to dismiss the appeal in its entirety for lack of diligent prosecution.
The ruling also affirmed the earlier judgment of Justice Osiagor of the Federal High Court, which had dismissed the suit.
Reacting to the development, Ladipo Johnson expressed appreciation to the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, saying the judgment would enable him to concentrate on his political ambition and engagement with the people of Lagos Central.
He described the ruling as a victory not only for himself and the NDC but also for the people of the senatorial district, who, according to him, deserve focused and people-oriented representation.
“This victory is not just for me or the Nigeria Democratic Congress, but for the good people of Lagos Central Senatorial District who deserve focused, visionary, and people-centered representation,” he said.
“From the very beginning, we knew this legal challenge lacked substance, and today’s dismissal for lack of diligent prosecution has vindicated our position.”
The NDC candidate said he would not allow legal challenges or political distractions to derail his campaign, reaffirming his commitment to economic empowerment, impactful legislation and quality representation.
“Our eyes remain firmly on the ball. We will not be distracted by political sideshows. Our campaign is driven by a clear mission to bring impactful legislation, economic empowerment, and quality representation to every corner of Lagos Central—from Lagos Island to Surulere, Mainland, Apapa, and Eti-Osa,” he added.
He called on party members, supporters and residents of Lagos Central to remain united and committed as the campaign intensifies across the district.
