A member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, representing Oyi Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has taken legal action to contest the outcome of the party’s primary election. Hon. Innocent Ojike, the aspirant, alleges irregularities in the process that produced Kosisochukwu Ibemesi as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.
The lawsuit, designated as FHC/AWK/CS/173/2026, was submitted at the Federal High Court in Awka. Ojike’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Reuben Atabo, named APGA, Ibemesi, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as respondents.
Court documents dated June 4 reveal that Ojike claims to have garnered 3,524 lawful votes, the highest count during the primary held on May 23, 2026. He asserts that the returning officer, Dr. Nnewaluem James, officially declared him the winner. Citing Section 84(1) of the Electoral Act of 2026, he argues that he remains the legitimate APGA candidate for Oyi Constituency.
Among the twelve reliefs sought, Ojike requests the court to nullify APGA’s announcement of Ibemesi as the winner, made on May 25, 2026. He also seeks an order compelling APGA to forward his name to INEC as the party’s candidate. Additionally, he demands that INEC accept, publish, and recognize his candidacy. The suit further requests exemplary damages of N100 million against APGA and Ibemesi.
Hearing dates for the matter have yet to be set by the court.