The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court on Monday barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from engaging MC Oluomo’s services for the transportation of election materials.

The court placed an injunction against INEC on the matter following an application filed by the opposition Labour Party in the state, which said Mr Oluomo’s allegiance to Bola Tinubu could undermine the security of election materials for voters across the state, Leadership Newspaper reported.

The controversial Lagos transport union chief, real name: Musiliu Akinsanya, had secured a contract with the electoral office to play a critical role in the upcoming general elections. Widespread criticism followed the announcement of the deal between INEC and MC Oluomo earlier this month, but the resident electoral commission Segun Agbaje shrugged off calls to rescind the decision.

This prompted Labour Party leaders, led at the federal level by presidential candidate Peter Obi, to approach the court for urgent relief on the matter.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke said INEC and other respondents in the matter should submit a response by February 22, although it was unclear whether or not the parties would be able to do so before then or in time for the election slated for February 25, Leadership Newspaper added.

A spokesman for INEC did not immediately return a request seeking comments from Peoples Gazette on today’s proceeding. MC Oluomo, who has continued to openly express his allegiance to Mr Tinubu, the ruling APC’s presidential candidate, did not return a request seeking comments.