The faction of the Action Alliance (AA) led by Kenneth Udeze announced on Thursday that it will appeal a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that refused to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release the access code needed to upload the party’s candidates for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The decision came from Justice Inyang Ekwo, who struck out the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1377/2026 – Action Alliance & 5 Ors v INEC) on the basis that the court lacked jurisdiction. In his judgment, the judge identified three key issues: the plaintiffs had not pinpointed any specific court order that INEC allegedly disobeyed; the case sought to review decisions of higher courts and courts of coordinate jurisdiction that were grounded in the party’s constitution; and the use of an originating summons was inappropriate for interpreting judgments.
Justice Ekwo concluded that granting the request would amount to a review of higher‑court rulings—a power the Federal High Court does not possess—and that the court was not the proper forum for resolving internal party disputes.
Madeh Yakubu, counsel for the plaintiffs, praised the judge’s reasoning, stating that “the party would obtain a certified true copy of the ruling, study it and possibly proceed on appeal.” Udeze, speaking to journalists, reiterated that he remains the legitimate national chairman of the AA and that candidates nominated by his leadership will contest the 2027 elections. He argued that INEC has no authority to accept nominations from any other group, citing the 2025 Court of Appeal judgment that recognised his leadership, and hinted that the party might return to the Court of Appeal for a definitive ruling on who is legally empowered to nominate candidates.
Ayibiowu Doland, counsel for Aare Adekunle Rufai Omo‑Aje, said the judgment leaves Omo‑Aje as the party’s presidential candidate, describing it as “a victory for democracy and the rule of law.”
The leadership battle between Udeze and Adekunle Rufai Omo‑Aje has persisted for years, with the 2025 Court of Appeal decision previously affirming Udeze’s claim to the chairmanship. The current dispute centers on which faction can obtain the INEC access code required to submit candidate lists ahead of the 2027 polls, a process that is critical for parties seeking representation in Nigeria’s upcoming elections.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
