A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed the application
filed by Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, immediate past minister of state for labour and
employment, seeking to be joined in the suit filed by Amobi Ogah, a member of
the House of Representatives.
The main suit was filed by Ogah to compel the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute Onyejeocha over alleged
forgery of election results pertaining to Isikwuato/Umunneochi federal
constituency in Abia state in 2023.
The lawmaker had asked the electoral umpire to prosecute
Onyejeocha for allegedly forging election results tendered before the tribunal.
Onyejeocha, through her counsel, sought leave of court to
join the suit since she was not joined as a defendant.
Ogah’s counsel had said the ex-minister had no business in
the proceedings as the matter is between INEC and the federal lawmaker.
M.G Umar, the presiding judge, on Monday, dismissed
Onyejeocha’s application.
BACKGROUND
In February 2023, INEC declared Ogah of the Labour Party
(LP) winner of the Isikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency election in Abia
with 11,769 votes, while Onyejeocha of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
polled second with 8,752 votes.
Dissatisfied with the result, Onyejeocha, a former member of
the house of representatives, filed a petition before the tribunal, seeking the
nullification of Ogah’s election.
In September 2023, the tribunal sacked Ogah and declared
Onyejeocha winner.
Ogah appealed the verdict, seeking reinstatement.
In November 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the
tribunal’s decision and restored Ogah’s victory.
In a petition dated April 14, 2024, and addressed to Mahmood
Yakubu, then INEC chairman, Ogah alleged that Onyejeocha forged some polling
unit results presented before the tribunal.
The lawmaker said the delay in petitioning INEC was due to
the time required to gather sufficient evidence.
In September 2025, Ogah filed an ex parte application,
seeking a mandamus order compelling INEC to investigate and prosecute
Onyejeocha.
He alleged that the former minister forged some election
results (exhibit 3) and “passed them off as official documents”.
Onyejeocha resigned as minister of state for labour and
employment in April.
By
TheTimes Nigeria
