The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has escalated its leadership crisis to the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing a judge of overstepping his bounds.
At the heart of the controversy is a ruling delivered by Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2024.
The judgment ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke its recognition of Edozie Njoku as APGA’s National Chairman and replace him with Sly Ezeonwuka.
APGA’s Founder Blasts Ruling
APGA’s founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Chekwas Okorie, did not hold back in criticizing the ruling.
Speaking at a press conference in Enugu, Okorie described the judgment as “rebellious audacity.”
He accused Justice Omotosho of attempting to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court.
“This judgment is a direct attempt to preempt the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Okorie said.
A Supreme Court Decision Ignored
Okorie reminded reporters that the Supreme Court had already affirmed Edozie Njoku as the party’s rightful National Chairman.
In a unanimous decision, a five-member panel of Supreme Court justices had ruled in Njoku’s favor.
Following this, INEC eventually recognized Njoku after a court order compelled it to do so.
However, Justice Omotosho’s ruling has now thrown the party into fresh turmoil.
Accusations of Judicial Overreach
Okorie argued that Justice Omotosho overstepped his jurisdiction by issuing a judgment while a related appeal was still pending before the Supreme Court.
“This judgment undermines the entire judicial process,” Okorie declared.
He accused the judge of wrongfully indicting INEC for complying with the Supreme Court’s earlier decision.
INEC Officials in Contempt
Okorie also recalled an earlier incident where INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and former APGA factional chairman Victor Oye were found guilty of contempt of court.
Although sentencing was delayed to give them time to purge the contempt, Okorie sees the current ruling as part of a larger pattern of judicial defiance.
Petition to the NJC
APGA has now petitioned the NJC, seeking intervention against what it describes as a judicial anomaly.
Okorie expressed confidence that the NJC would address their concerns.
“The NJC exists to uphold judicial ethics, and we trust they will do the right thing,” he said.
A Call to INEC Chairman
Okorie also appealed directly to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
He urged Yakubu to resist any form of coercion or intimidation.
“We are calling on INEC to stand firm and uphold the rule of law,” Okorie added.
Leadership Crisis Deepens
The leadership tussle within APGA continues to create tension as members await further legal developments.
Many party stakeholders are watching closely to see how the NJC and the Supreme Court will handle the situation.
“This is about more than just APGA. It’s about the sanctity of the judicial process,” a party insider commented.
Hope for a Resolution
Despite the controversy, Okorie remains optimistic.
“APGA has chosen the path of civility by petitioning the NJC,” he concluded.
