Court Dismisses Suit Challenging NDC Reps Candidate For Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani
By Wilfred Chukwuma
The Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has dismissed a suit challenging the nomination of Fidelis M. Ani as the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency, Enugu State, in the 2027 general election.
The court, presided over by Justice F.O.G. Ogunbanjo, dismissed the suit on Friday on the grounds that it was filed outside the 14-day statutory period for instituting pre-election matters, thereby robbing it of jurisdiction to entertain the case.
The suit, marked FHC/EN/157/2026, was instituted by Onyebuchi Nwabueze against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ani and the NDC.
Nwabueze had challenged the validity of Ani’s nomination, alleging that the party failed to conduct a valid primary election on May 29, 2026, in accordance with the Electoral Act, and that the exercise was not monitored by INEC.
He consequently asked the court to declare him the party’s rightful candidate, claiming that a separate primary conducted by the party’s state executive committee on the same date had produced him as the winner.
However, Ani, through his counsel, raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the suit was statute-barred, having been instituted on June 12, 2026, 15 days after the alleged infraction.
Upholding the objection, Justice Ogunbanjo held that the action complained of occurred on May 29, while the suit was filed outside the constitutionally prescribed 14-day window.
The judge consequently ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter and dismissed the suit without considering the other issues raised.
Speaking with journalists after the judgment, Ani expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a victory for the judiciary and a demonstration of hope for a better Nigeria.
He urged judicial officers to remain impartial and uphold justice, equity and fairness in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Ani also extended an olive branch to Nwabueze, whom he described as a good friend, urging him to join forces with him to pursue their political aspirations and secure victory in the 2027 election.
“I will be nothing other than a servant of the people. I will be a representative of the people, an alter ego for the people,” he declared, pledging to work with all stakeholders in the constituency.
He thanked God, the judiciary, the people of Igbo-Etiti and Uzo-Uwani, as well as the NDC leadership at all levels, while soliciting their support and prayers ahead of the 2027 general election.
The judgment leaves Ani as the NDC’s candidate for the Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
