A major legal victory has been recorded in the lingering political dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, as the Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri has upheld the earlier judgment of the Abia State High Court in favour of Enyinnaya Ogbu.
The appellate court, on March 30, 2026, dismissed an appeal challenging the decision of the High Court of Abia State, Bende Judicial Division, in Suit No. HB/5/2024 between Enyinnaya Ogbu and Alwell Asiforo Okere alongside eight others. The ruling effectively sustains the judgment delivered by the trial court and nullifies all objections raised against it.
The case originated from controversies surrounding ward and local government congresses and primaries, as well as the submission of chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the 2024 Abia State Local Government Election. Ogbu had approached the court, alleging that certain individuals conducted parallel primaries and submitted a list of candidates to the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) in violation of due process and subsisting court orders, thereby unlawfully excluding him from the electoral process.
In its earlier ruling, the High Court dismissed preliminary objections filed against the suit and proceeded to determine the substantive issues in favour of the claimant. The court held that the matter was properly instituted and justiciable, emphasizing that actions involving illegality and disobedience to court orders could not be protected under the guise of internal party affairs. It further ruled that tolerating such conduct would undermine the rule of law and encourage disorder.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, the defendants proceeded to the Court of Appeal, contesting both the jurisdiction of the High Court and the merits of its judgment. However, the appellate court found no merit in the appeal and upheld the lower court’s decision in its entirety, affirming that the suit was competent and that the reliefs granted were appropriate.
The judgment has been widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of the supremacy of the rule of law, particularly in political processes. It underscores the position that while political parties operate internal mechanisms, such processes remain subject to judicial oversight where issues of illegality, arbitrariness, and violation of due process arise.
Reacting to the judgment, Ogbu described the outcome as a victory for justice, fairness, and democratic principles rather than a personal triumph. He stressed the need for political actors and institutions to adhere strictly to lawful procedures, accountability, and respect for judicial authority.
He further called on party members, supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them to avoid actions capable of deepening divisions. He emphasized that the moment calls for reflection and renewed commitment to democratic values rather than celebration or provocation.
Ogbu also expressed appreciation to his legal team for their professionalism and dedication throughout the legal battle, as well as to supporters who stood by him in the pursuit of justice. He attributed the successful outcome to divine grace and perseverance through lawful means.
With the Court of Appeal’s decision, the judgment of the High Court remains binding and authoritative, setting a clear legal position on the issues surrounding the disputed primaries and candidate submissions in Ukwa East. All parties and relevant institutions are now expected to comply with the ruling and be guided accordingly.
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