…ex-minister’s legal team to review ruling

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed an application by former Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, seeking to be joined in an ongoing suit, a decision that drew commendation from Rep. Amobi Ogah.

Ogah, through his lead counsel, Umeh Kalu (SAN), described the ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar as sound and consistent with both the law and the facts before the court, maintaining that Onyejeocha’s participation was unnecessary.

According to Kalu, the suit—filed by Ogah against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—seeks to compel the commission to conclude investigations and prosecute alleged forgery of election results arising from the 2023 National Assembly poll in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State.

He argued that the matter can be effectively determined without Onyejeocha as a party, stressing that the central issue is whether INEC has fulfilled its statutory responsibility regarding the disputed results.

The controversy over the alleged forgery has persisted since the election tribunal proceedings and extended to the Court of Appeal, where judgment was delivered in favour of Ogah.

INEC had, during those proceedings, disowned the results presented by Onyejeocha, stating that they did not originate from its office, while affirming the authenticity of the documents submitted by Ogah.

However, Onyejeocha’s legal team, led by John Agim (SAN), indicated that the former minister may challenge the decision, noting that they would review the ruling and determine their next line of action.