Supreme Court Orders INEC To Reinstate Ezeokenwa as APGA National Chairman
The Supreme Court has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate Sly Ezeokenwa as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), affirming his legitimacy and dismissing claims by Edozie Njoku.
The court also imposed a fine of N20 million on Njoku for filing a frivolous suit at the FCT High Court in Bwari.
The decision followed a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which restrained Njoku from presenting himself as the party’s leader.
Justice James Omotosho emphasized that there was no valid court order, including from the Supreme Court, supporting Njoku’s claim to the chairmanship. Instead, the court reaffirmed that Ezeokenwa’s leadership is lawful and legitimate.
The dispute arose when INEC replaced Ezeokenwa and his executive team’s names on its website with those of the Njoku-led faction. APGA and Ezeokenwa filed a lawsuit challenging this move, arguing it violated established court rulings.
Justice Omotosho criticized INEC for recognizing the Njoku faction without a valid court directive, reiterating that the Supreme Court had previously determined Victor Oye as the rightful chairman until his tenure ended in 2023.
The court further noted that Ezeokenwa’s election at the May 31, 2023, national convention in Awka, Anambra State, was lawful, having been monitored and documented by INEC.
“There is no subsisting court order upon which INEC acted,” the judge stated, ordering the electoral body to restore Ezeokenwa and his team as the rightful national executives of the party.
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