Abuja Court Rules Against Onyejeocha in Fresh Twist to Election Dispute

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has turned down a request by former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, to be included in an ongoing legal action involving the lawmaker representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Amobi Godwin Ogah, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Delivering judgment on Monday, April 27, 2026, Justice M. G. Umar ruled that Onyejeocha’s application to be joined in the suit lacked merit, stressing that the case could proceed and be resolved without her participation. The matter, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/1308/2025, is a mandamus action seeking to compel INEC to complete its probe and pursue prosecution over alleged falsification of election documents.

The dispute stems from the aftermath of the 2023 National Assembly elections in the constituency, where Ogah secured victory—a result that was subsequently upheld by both the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

Ogah has maintained that electoral authorities must act on claims of forged documents submitted during tribunal proceedings. INEC, during earlier hearings, reportedly distanced itself from some of the materials presented, reaffirming the validity of the results recognized in Ogah’s favour.

Reacting to the latest ruling, Ogah’s counsel, Umeh Kalu, SAN, described the court’s decision as sound and in line with established legal principles, noting that the case strictly concerns his client and INEC.

Meanwhile, Onyejeocha’s legal representative, John Agim, SAN, said their team would study the judgment before deciding on their next move.

Legal observers say the ruling marks another significant turn in the prolonged dispute, further strengthening Ogah’s stance in the case.