An aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Innocent Ojike, has approached the court to challenge the outcome of the party’s primary election for the Oyi State Constituency ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ojike, who currently represents the constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, is disputing APGA’s declaration of Kosisochukwu Ibemesi as the winner of the primary held on May 23, 2026.
The suit, with reference number FHC/AWK/CS/173/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Awka by his counsel, Reuben Atabo (SAN). The defendants in the case include APGA, Ibemesi and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In court documents dated June 4, Ojike claimed that he scored the highest number of valid votes in the primary, polling 3,524 votes. He further asserted that he was duly declared winner by the recognised Returning Officer, Dr. Nnewaluem James.
The lawmaker maintained that he remains the legitimate 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 is asking the court to invalidate APGA’s declaration of Ibemesi as the winner of the primary, announced on May 25, 2026.
He is also seeking an order compelling APGA to forward his name to INEC as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election, as well as a directive for INEC to accept, publish and recognise his candidature.
Additionally, Ojike is requesting N100 million in exemplary damages against APGA and Ibemesi.
The court has yet to fix a date for hearing the case.