The Federal High Court sitting in Awka on Wednesday, declined to upturn the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Anambra State, affirming Nicholas Ukachukwu’s emergence as the party’s governorship candidate for the November 8 Governorship election in the state.
Valentine Ozigbo, an aspirant during the April 5 APC primary, had petitioned the court to nullify Ukachukwu’s candidacy, arguing that the Ukachukwu was not legitimately qualified to contest the party’s primary.
His legal team led by Umeh Kalu, SAN, and Berth Igwilo, SAN had presented pieces of evidence that Ukachukwu’s membership records were fraudulently backdated, in breach of the APC constitution and electoral rules.
However, in a decision delivered today, Justice Evelyn Anyadike held that while there were discrepancies worthy of concern in the documentation presented by Ukachukwu, the court lacked the jurisdiction to substitute one candidate for another.
The judge said te court cannot interfere in the internal matters of a political party where the plaintiff has not provided incontrovertible proof of the date of membership, nor shown that the party acted outside its constitutional powers.
Ironically, the court ruled in favour of the plaintiff on several key procedural and substantive issues.
The judgment has sparked a wave of disbelief and disappointment among Ozigbo’s supporters, many of whom had gathered outside the courtroom in hopeful anticipation of a favourable verdict.
Reacting to the judgement, Ozigbo described the development as a sad day for the rule of law.
He insisted that he came to court armed with truth, with documents, with testimonies, only to be told that due process no longer matters.
He said, “If a person who failed to meet the party’s constitutional provision can bypass due process through forgery and deceit, what does that say about our democracy?”
Ozigbo reiterated his commitment to justice but stated he would consult with his lawyers on the next steps.
“We are consulting with our lawyers, we will decide on our next step. I did not fight this case for myself.
“I fought for Ndi Anambra. I fought to protect the soul of our democracy. And that fight is far from over.
“This was not just about form-filling,” Ozigbo argued. “It was about principle. It was about saying no to criminality. Unfortunately, the court blinked.”
Still, within the APC ranks, reactions were mixed, as many expressed apprehension over what the result means regarding party cohesion, while others warned of long-term consequences.
“This is not a triumph,” said Chief Tony Offiah, a leader of the Valentine Ozigbo Political Organisation. “It’s a warning that corruption can wear a party badge and get away with it.”
