2027: Anambra lawmaker drags APGA, INEC to court over primary election result 

An aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Innocent Ojike, has filed a lawsuit contesting the result of the party’s primary election for the Oyi State Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general election.

Ojike, who currently represents Oyi Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, is challenging APGA’s declaration of Kosisochukwu Ibemesi as the winner of the primary held on 23 May 2026.

The suit, numbered FHC/AWK/CS/173/2026, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Awka by Ojike’s counsel, Reuben Atabo (SAN). APGA, Ibemesi and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were named as defendants.

According to court filings dated 4 June, Ojike claimed he received the highest number of lawful votes in the primary, totaling 3,524 votes. He maintained that he was duly declared the winner by the legally recognised returning officer, Dr Nnewaluem James.

The lawmaker argued that he remains the lawful candidate of APGA for the Oyi State Constituency election, citing Section 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, to support his position.

Among the 12 reliefs sought, Ojike requests that the court nullify APGA’s declaration of Ibemesi as the primary winner, which was announced on 25 May 2026. He also seeks an order directing APGA to submit his name to INEC as the party’s candidate for Oyi Constituency in the 2027 general election, and for INEC to accept, publish and recognise his candidature.

Additionally, Ojike asks the court to award N100 million in exemplary damages against APGA and Ibemesi.

The court has not yet scheduled a hearing date for the case.