Politics

Court stops Agballah, nine others from functioning as Enugu APC exco

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2024

Court stops Agballah, nine others from functioning as Enugu APC exco

A High Court in Enugu State has issued an injunction preventing Ugochukwu Agballah from presenting himself as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State.

The court order, obtained by our correspondent on Friday, was signed by J. I. Agu, Esq, Deputy Chief Registrar 1.

The following individuals were also prohibited from acting as party officials: Deputy Chairman Chief Augustine Alumonah, Mr. Jude Chinedu Aniogbo, Mr. Moses Emeka Eze, Barrister Sunday Ugwoke, Mr. Ugwu Christian Kanayo, Mr. Eze Chidiebere Johnson, Queen Charles, Onyekachi T. Ezeagu, and Comrade Idoko Chikadibia.

Agballah was penultimate week suspended as the state chairman of the APC, by the state executive council of the party.

He was suspended alongside three other executive members of the party in the state: Chief Augustine Alumonah (State Deputy Chairman); Mr Jude Aniogbo (State Treasurer) and Mr Emeka Eze (State Organizing Secretary). They were accused of abusing their offices.

However, the suit, NO: E/548/2024, filed before Hon. Justice C.V.C. Ezeugwu, has Nwafor Alphonsus Onyeachonam, Acting State Chairman, APC, Enugu State Chapter, Chief Michael Ezeanyawu, State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Peter Chime, State Youth Leader, Mr. Uba Uthman Onah (Chairman Forum Of L.G Chairmen and Comrade Samuel Okonkwo, (Chairman Forum Of L.G Secretaries) listed as plaintiffs/applicants.

They sued for themselves and on behalf of the APC State Executive Committee members in Enugu State.

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The court document said, “UPON an application by Motion Ex-parte brought pursuant to Order 3 Rule 24); Order 38 Rules 1, 2 and 4(a); Order 7 Rule 5; and Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 of the High Court Rules of Enugu State, 2020; Sections 6 and 36 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended); supported by a 46-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Chief Michael Ezeanyawu, and filed at the High Court Registry, Enugu on 2nd day of August, 2024; seeking an Order for Interim Injunction and Substituted Service.

AND AFTER Hearing the submission of J. N. Aloh, Esq. of Counsel, for the Plaintiffs/Applicants.

“The Court hereby orders as follows: An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from acting and parading themselves as occupying any of the following positions/posts to wit: State Party chairman, State Party Deputy Chairman, State Party Treasurer, State Party Organizing Secretary, Nsukka Local Government Party Chairman of APC, Igboeze South Local Government Party Chairman of APC, State Party Youth Leader of APC, Enugu South Local Government Party Chairman, State Party Publicity Secretary of APC and Enugu North Party Chairman, respectively of State Executives Committee, Enugu State Chapter pending the hearing determination Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024;

“An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from calling, arranging, organizing and holding any meetings, congresses or conventions as the leadership of APC State Executive Committee (SEC) and/or interfering, disturbing and meddling with the functions/activities of the Plaintiffs/Applicants (as well as other validly elected members of the said Executive) as the State Executive Committee of the Party in Enugu State, pending the hearing determination of the Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024;

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“An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from accessing, operating, withdrawing and/or in whatever manner dealing with APC, Enugu State Party Account domiciled with the 11th Respondent, UNEC Branch, Enugu with Account Number 1025534529 and the Court hereby restrains the 11th Respondent from dealing with or honouring any instruction given by the 1st to 10th Respondents in respect of the said Account, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024;

“An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from accessing, making use of, claiming or in any manner whatsoever dealing with the Secretariat of APC, Enugu State Chapter which is at No. 598 Bishop Onyeabor Street, G.R.A, Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, pending the hearing determination of the Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024;

“The Court hereby grants leave to the Applicants to serve any Order made herein, the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction and other subsequent processes in this Suit on the 1st to 10th Respondents by Substituted Means, to wit: by pasting same at the conspicuous parts of the APC, Enugu Chapter Secretariat at No. 598 Bishop Onyeabor Street, G.R.A, Enugu North Government Area of Enugu State.”

The matter has been adjourned to the 13th day of August, 2024 for the Motion on Notice

Politics

Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

Published

7 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

Four members of the House of Representatives have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a development that further strengthens the governing party’s presence in the National Assembly.

The lawmakers who announced their defection during plenary are Inuwa Garuba, representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Abdullahi El-Rasheed, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, also in Gombe State; and Mohammed Audu, representing Karim Lamido/Lau/Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency of Taraba State. The three lawmakers were elected on the platform of the PDP but have now aligned with the APC.

A fourth lawmaker elected on the platform of the Labour Party also joined the APC, citing political realignment and the need to better serve constituents, although details of the defection were still emerging at the time of filing this report.

The defections were formally communicated to the House leadership during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who read the letters submitted by the affected lawmakers.

In their letters, the lawmakers cited internal crises within their former parties and the need to align politically with developments in their states as key reasons for their decision to move to the APC. They also said joining the ruling party would enable them to attract more federal projects and development initiatives to their constituencies. Political observers note that similar reasons have often been cited by lawmakers who change political parties.

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The defections sparked mixed reactions within the chamber. While APC lawmakers welcomed the new members, some opposition legislators expressed concern over the growing trend of defections in the National Assembly. According to them, frequent cross-carpeting weakens party ideology and undermines the mandate given to political parties by voters during elections. However, supporters of the defecting lawmakers argued that the Nigerian constitution allows lawmakers to change parties, particularly when there are divisions or crises within their original platforms.

The latest defections add to a series of political realignments that have taken place within the National Assembly since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly in 2023. The APC, which controls the executive arm of government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to attract lawmakers from opposition parties. In recent weeks, some senators elected on the PDP platform also defected to the APC, reflecting shifting political alliances ahead of future elections.

Political analysts say the development could further strengthen the APC’s numerical advantage in the National Assembly, making it easier for the ruling party to pass government-backed legislation. However, critics warn that the weakening of opposition parties may reduce the level of debate and oversight expected in a vibrant democratic system. With political activities gradually intensifying ahead of the next electoral cycle, observers believe more defections could occur as politicians reposition themselves within Nigeria’s political landscape.

Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

Politics

BREAKING: Three PDP Senators Defect to APC

Published

7 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: Three PDP Senators Defect to APC

Three senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers—Amos Yohanna, Aminu Abbas, and Ikra Bilbis—formally declared their exit from the opposition party during plenary at the Nigerian Senate.

Yohanna represents Adamawa North Senatorial District, Abbas represents Adamawa Central Senatorial District, while Bilbis represents Zamfara North Senatorial District.

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Their defection letters were read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate leadership, informing lawmakers of their decision to join the APC.

Although detailed reasons for the defections were not immediately made public, such political movements in Nigeria are often attributed to internal disputes within parties, political realignments, or strategic positioning ahead of future electoral contests.

The development is expected to further consolidate the numerical strength of the APC in the Senate, where the ruling party already holds a majority.

Observers say the move could also have implications for the political landscape in Adamawa and Zamfara states, where party loyalties and alignments continue to evolve ahead of the next election cycle.

BREAKING: Three PDP Senators Defect to APC

Politics

Omisore Sues APC Over Osun Governorship Primary Disqualification

Published

15 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Sen. Iyiola Omisore

Omisore Sues APC Over Osun Governorship Primary Disqualification

Fresh tension has rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State after former national secretary and senator Iyiola Omisore filed a lawsuit challenging his disqualification from the party’s governorship primary ahead of the August 15, 2026 election. The legal action has reignited debates about internal party democracy and unity within the APC in the state.

Omisore filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, seeking a judicial review of the circumstances surrounding his disqualification. The case, listed as FHC/OS/CS/261/2025, directly challenges the decision of the APC Screening Committee, which barred him and six other aspirants from contesting the primary held on December 13, 2025. (osundefender.com)

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Party insiders say the disqualification created dissatisfaction among several APC members, with critics arguing that the process lacked transparency and was politically motivated to favor the consensus candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. Omisore has maintained that the screening was flawed, and the decision undermines internal party fairness. (politicsnigeria.com)

The lawsuit has deepened divisions within the Osun APC, raising concerns that unresolved grievances could weaken party cohesion ahead of the governorship campaign. Analysts suggest that the legal challenge could significantly influence the party’s political dynamics and its preparedness for the election. (thisdaylive.com)

In an effort to maintain unity, a delegation of party elders recently visited Omisore at his residence in Ile-Ife, urging him to reconsider his stance and support the party’s governorship candidate. The reconciliation efforts reportedly involve Adegboyega Oyetola, former governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, a key figure in the state APC. (thisdaylive.com)

Despite mediation efforts, the dispute is expected to continue unless an out-of-court settlement is reached. Observers say the case will test the APC’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms and could shape the party’s electoral strategy and image in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election. (politicsnigeria.com)