Court Orders Removal of Kenneth Udeze, Affirms Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as Authentic Action Alliance National Chairman
The Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, has ruled in favor of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, declaring him the legitimate National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA). This judgment comes after a prolonged leadership dispute within the party.
Key aspects of the judgment include validation of Omoaje’s leadership, where the court affirmed his election as National Chairman at AA’s October 7, 2023, convention in Abeokuta, which was monitored by INEC officials. The removal of Kenneth Udeze was ordered by the court, citing his expulsion from the party upheld by the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
INEC compliance is a critical part of the ruling, as the commission was directed to recognize Omoaje and restore names of state chairmen loyal to him on its portal. The INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu faces arrest if he fails to comply within seven days, with a ₦100,000 cost awarded against him. The legal basis for the ruling cited contradictions with Section 182 of the Electoral Act and violations of fair hearing rights.
Reactions to the judgment have been positive, with Omoaje hailing it as a victory for democracy and rule of law, boosting confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary. AA’s legal counsel commended the court’s decision, urging INEC compliance.
This development underscores the judiciary’s role in resolving political and party leadership disputes in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of legal processes in determining legitimate leadership within political parties. The outcome is expected to have implications for Action Alliance’s operations and its standing with electoral authorities like INEC.
