…Declare Njoku’s faction unlawful
In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has declared as unlawful the recognition and publication of Chief Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
Delivering its judgment today, the Court presided by Hon. Justice Omotosho, ruled that there was no valid or subsisting court order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Njoku as the party’s leader.
The Court categorically ordered INEC to delete the name of Chief Edozie Njoku and other purported national officers from the commission’s records as APGA officials. Additionally, it directed the electoral body to immediately restore the names of Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa and the National Officers elected during APGA’s National Convention held in Awka, Anambra State, on May 31, 2023, as the duly recognized National Working Committee, NWC of the party.
The Barr. Ezeokenwa-led APGA leadership had earlier sought legal clarification, arguing that the Court of Appeal ruling on June 28 did not mandate INEC to recognize Edozie Njoku as APGA National Chairman.
According to Ezeokenwa’s legal team, the matter before the appellate court centered on a contempt proceeding initiated by Edozie Njoku against INEC and the then APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Ike Oye, and did not involve any directive on the party’s substantive leadership.
The Federal High Court’s decision effectively validates the resolutions of the Awka Convention, putting to rest months of legal wrangling and political uncertainty over the leadership of APGA. The ruling emphasizes the sanctity of internal party processes and underscores INEC’s obligation to uphold lawful party conventions.
This verdict is being hailed as a decisive victory for Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa and his leadership team. It reinforces their legitimacy as the authentic leadership of APGA while affirming the principle of due process as the cornerstone of political stability within party structures.
Observers and political stakeholders have expressed optimism that the judgment will help restore harmony within APGA. Many see this as a critical turning point, as it ends a period of division that threatened the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
INEC is now expected to act promptly on the Court’s directives, a move that will further solidify Barr. Ezeokenwa’s leadership and provide much-needed clarity to the party’s stakeholders and supporters. This judgment represents a significant step toward ensuring stability and order within APGA as it prepares for future political engagements.
Credit: Tony Olisa Mbeki.
Photo: Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, National Chairman, APGA.
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