A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has upheld the nomination of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as the authentic governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming November 8, 2025, election in the state.
The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, July 23, by Justice Evelyn Anyadike, dismissed a suit filed by fellow APC aspirant, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, who had sought to nullify Ukachukwu’s candidacy over allegations of irregularities during the party’s April 5 primary election.
Ozigbo, a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), now contesting under the APC, had claimed that Ukachukwu was not a valid member of the party at the time of the primary. His legal team, led by Senior Advocates Umeh Kalu and Berth Igwilo, argued that Ukachukwu’s membership documents were fraudulently backdated in breach of the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act. The suit was supported by affidavits from party officials and other documentary evidence.
In her ruling, Justice Anyadike acknowledged discrepancies in Ukachukwu’s membership documents but held that Ozigbo failed to meet the threshold of proof required to establish a clear violation. She emphasized that courts cannot interfere in the internal affairs of political parties unless there is incontrovertible evidence of constitutional or statutory breach.
“The court cannot interfere in the internal matters of a political party where the plaintiff has not provided incontrovertible proof of the date of membership, nor shown that the party acted outside its constitutional powers,” the judge stated.
She further held that questions of membership and candidacy clearance are matters within the exclusive domain of the party’s internal structures, especially when the party’s National Working Committee has ratified the nomination.
Counsel to the APC, Shedrak Ayo, welcomed the ruling, noting that Ozigbo’s claims did not satisfy the legal standards set by Sections 285(14)(a) and 84(14) of the Electoral Act.
“The plaintiff’s complaint fell short of the constitutional and statutory requirements. The suit did not raise valid legal questions,” he stated.
Joseph Mola Mathew, counsel to Ukachukwu, echoed this stance, arguing that once a political party clears a candidate, the courts lack jurisdiction to question the internal processes of such clearance.
Reacting to the judgment, Ozigbo described the verdict as “perverse and deeply disappointing.” He expressed frustration, saying the ruling undermines due process and sets a dangerous precedent for internal party democracy.
“This is a sad day for the rule of law,” Ozigbo declared. “We came to court armed with truth, with documents, with testimonies—only to be told that due process no longer matters.”
He added: “If someone who failed to meet the party’s constitutional provisions can bypass due process through forgery and deceit, what does that say about our democracy?”
Despite the setback, Ozigbo pledged to continue the legal battle, revealing that consultations with his legal team are ongoing to determine the next course of action.
“I did not fight this case for myself,” he insisted. “I fought for Ndi Anambra. I fought to protect the soul of our democracy. And that fight is far from over.”
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions within the APC in Anambra. While supporters of Prince Ukachukwu celebrated the verdict, others raised concerns over its broader implications.
Chief Tony Offiah, a key figure in Ozigbo’s political structure, warned that the judgment may embolden electoral impunity.
“This is not a triumph,” Offiah said. “It’s a warning that corruption can wear a party badge and get away with it.”
National Convener of the Anambra Equity Movement (ANEM), Hon. Tony Ezekwelu, however, called for unity within the APC, urging members to move beyond internal disputes and focus on winning the November election.
“Now is the time to come together as one APC family and prepare for victory at the polls,” he said.
Prince Ukachukwu, who maintained his grassroots engagement throughout the legal dispute, is expected to launch full-scale campaign activities in August.