Conflicting claims over APC resignation, primary participation take centre stage
WARRI — The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has fixed November 24, 2026, for judgment in a suit by Prof. Alexander Osondu Akpodiete challenging Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s eligibility to contest the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary for Delta Central Senatorial District.
The suit, marked FHC/WR/CS/120/2026, seeks Omo-Agege’s disqualification and an order declaring Akpodiete the rightful candidate of the party.
Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa reserved judgment after hearing submissions from counsel to the parties, including the NDC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A major issue during proceedings was the conflicting accounts of Omo-Agege’s alleged resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his participation in the party’s senatorial primary.
Counsel to Omo-Agege reportedly told the court that his client resigned from the APC on May 5, 2026, joined the NDC the same day and did not participate in the APC primary held on May 18.
Akpodiete, however, disputed the claim, alleging that Omo-Agege participated in the APC primary and subsequently claimed victory in media interviews, including appearances on Arise Television.
The conflicting submissions reportedly prompted the judge to question how Omo-Agege could have participated in the APC primary and claimed victory if he had resigned from the party 13 days earlier. The exchange reportedly elicited laughter in the courtroom.
The dispute centres on Omo-Agege’s party membership, the circumstances surrounding his alleged resignation from the APC and whether the events in question have implications for his eligibility to contest the NDC primary under applicable electoral provisions.
Akpodiete is asking the court to resolve the disputed issues and declare him the authentic NDC candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District.
The judgment is expected to determine the immediate legal direction of the dispute, which has cast uncertainty over the NDC’s senatorial ticket in the district.
Until the court delivers its decision, the rival claims to the candidacy remain subject to judicial determination.
