An Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has dismissed an application filed by the former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, seeking to be joined in an ongoing suit instituted by the lawmaker representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ruling, delivered on Monday, April 27, 2026, by Hon. Justice M. G. Umar, refused Onyejeocha’s request for joinder in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CV/1308/2025, which involves a mandamus action compelling INEC to conclude investigations and initiate prosecution over alleged electoral forgery.
Hon. Onyejeocha, through her legal team, had sought the court’s permission to be joined as a party in the suit. However, the court held that the matter could be effectively determined without her inclusion.
The case is rooted in lingering disputes from the 2023 National Assembly elections in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, where Rt. Hon. Ogah emerged victorious—a position later upheld through the electoral tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
Rt. Hon. Ogah has consistently maintained that INEC should proceed with the investigation and prosecution over alleged forgery of election results presented during the tribunal proceedings. During earlier proceedings, INEC reportedly disowned certain documents tendered, affirming the authenticity of the results relied upon by Ogah.
Reacting to the ruling, counsel to Rt. Hon. Ogah, Umeh Kalu, SAN, who led a team from Seasons Law Firm, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as consistent with both the law and the facts presented. He argued that the application for joinder was unnecessary, insisting that the case strictly concerns the applicant and INEC.
On the other hand, counsel representing Hon. Onyejeocha, John Agim, SAN, indicated that they would review the court’s decision and determine their next line of action.
The latest ruling is seen by observers as a significant development in the protracted legal dispute between both political figures, further reinforcing Rt. Hon. Ogah’s position in the ongoing matter.
