The prolonged leadership crisis within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has deepened following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa as the party’s national chairman and delist Chief Edozie Njoku.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja over the weekend, Ezeokenwa said Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court delivered the judgment last Wednesday, reaffirming his position as national chairman after it was revoked in July.

“Through the abuse of judicial processes, the fabrication of claims, and the exploitation of administrative lapses, they sought to impose themselves on our party’s leadership in utter disregard for the legality, morality, and the collective will of our members,” Ezeokenwa stated.

He said the court issued a mandatory injunction compelling INEC to remove Njoku’s name from its official records, including its website.

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“The court unequivocally ordered INEC to return to the status quo ante bellum as of July 8, 2024, by reinstating my name and those of other national officers elected at the APGA National Convention held in Awka on May 31, 2023, as the legitimate national chairman and officers of APGA,” he added.

Ezeokenwa expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, INEC, the judiciary, party leaders, and other stakeholders for their support in upholding the truth.

Reacting to the judgment, Chief Njoku said he was aware of the ruling but insisted that a Federal High Court cannot overturn a Court of Appeal’s decision, which he claimed recognised him as the APGA national chairman and mandated INEC to do the same.

Njoku also disclosed that a petition had been submitted to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and other relevant bodies regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, a senior INEC official, who requested anonymity, told Daily Trust that the commission would not take any action until it receives the certified true copy of the judgment. The official explained that further processes would need to follow before a final decision could be made.