Federal High Court Dismisses Case Against Ukachukwu’s APC Governorship Nomination

Federal High Court Dismisses Case Against Ukachukwu’s APC Governorship Nomination

By Emmanuel Chukwuebuka
IKUKUOMA MEDIA OFFICE

July 23rd, 2025The Federal High Court sitting in Awka today, July 23, 2025, has dismissed a suit filed against the nomination of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming November 8 Anambra governorship election.

The suit, brought by Valentine Ozigbo, challenged Prince Ukachukwu’s eligibility based on issues surrounding party membership. In a firm ruling, the court held that the matter lacked merit and was not justiciable, citing settled Supreme Court precedents that matters of party membership are strictly internal and beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.

Reacting to the judgment, APC’s lead counsel, Mr. Shedrak Ayo, described the decision as “sound and consistent with the clear provisions of the Electoral Act,” emphasizing that the plaintiff’s claims did not meet the requirements of Sections 285(14)(a) and 84(14) of the Act, which govern valid pre-election disputes.

Similarly, Barrister Joseph Mola Mathew, representing Prince Ukachukwu through the office of Chief Olushola Oke (SAN), praised the court for upholding the law. “The case was built on a faulty premise,” he stated. “Once the National Working Committee of a political party clears a candidate, the decision stands, no court has jurisdiction over such internal affairs.”

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While the plaintiff reserves the constitutional right to appeal, no definitive steps toward an appeal have been announced.

In response to the verdict, Hon. Tony Ezekwelu, National Convener of the Anambra Equity Movement (ANEM) and a prominent supporter of Prince Ukachukwu, called on party members to remain united and magnanimous in victory. “We are one APC family. This is a time to move forward together,” he said.

Notably, Mrs. Juliet Kasie, a supporter of Chief Ozigbo, also reacted with maturity, acknowledging the ruling and encouraging reconciliation. “Politics comes with challenges. What matters is unity and collective progress,” she said.

With this ruling, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu’s candidacy has been reaffirmed, paving the way for focused preparations toward a victorious outing at the polls in November.