The Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has declared Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as the authentic National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), while ordering Mr. Kenneth Udeze to step aside.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to immediately stop recognizing Kenneth Udeze as AA’s national chairman, faulting the convention that produced him and ordering its cancellation.
Justice Demi-Ajayi held that the elective convention held on the 7th of October 2023, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, which produced Adekunle Omoaje and other National Executive Committee members was valid, having been duly monitored by INEC in line with the party’s constitution.
The court further ordered INEC to accord proper recognition to Adekunle Omoaje and the NEC members elected at the Abeokuta convention, and to replace Kenneth Udeze’s name with Adekunle Omoaje’s on its official portal without delay.
A cost of ₦100,000 was awarded against INEC.
The court also dismissed INEC’s argument challenging its jurisdiction, ruling that the defense lacked merit. It affirmed that the October 7, 2023 convention subsists, declaring any other convention invalid.
Justice Demi-Ajayi also upheld Keneth Udeze’s suspension and expulsion from the party, stressing that he had no authority to communicate with INEC or authorize legal representation on behalf of Action Alliance.
According to the judgment, INEC acted arbitrarily by recognizing Keneth Udeze despite his expulsion.
“The arbitrariness and recklessness of INEC in recognizing Udeze as the national chairman of AA is unexpected and capable of causing official rascality,”.
The court concluded that INEC contradicted itself in carrying out its constitutional duties by taking instructions from Udeze, despite his lack of authority
