Court rejects ex-minister’s bid to join forgery suit against INEC

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed an application by a former Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, seeking to be joined in a suit involving alleged forgery of election results.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over the matter, declined the request in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CV/1308/2025, filed by House of Representatives member, Amobi Ogah, against the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Onyejeocha, through her counsel, had asked the court for leave to join the proceedings, which seek an order of mandamus compelling INEC to conclude investigations and prosecute her over alleged forgery of results from the 2023 National Assembly election in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia state.

The forgery allegations had featured prominently during earlier proceedings at the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal, both of which ruled in favour of Ogah.

Ogah, through his legal team, maintained that INEC should prosecute Onyejeocha over the disputed result she presented at the tribunal.

INEC, during the proceedings, reportedly disowned the result submitted by Onyejeocha, insisting it did not originate from the commission, while affirming the authenticity of the result relied upon by Ogah.

Reacting to the ruling, counsel to Ogah, Umeh Kalu, described the decision as consistent with the law and the facts before the court.

He argued that Onyejeocha’s participation was unnecessary, adding that the issues in dispute could be effectively resolved between his client and INEC.

However, counsel to Onyejeocha, represented by John Agim, said the legal team would review the ruling and determine the next line of action.

Nathaniel Shaibu is a correspondent at The PidomNigeria with three years of professional journalism experience. He covers the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), civil society, religion, and the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development. In addition to his primary beats, Nathaniel also reports on politics, metro, security, and judicial matters, bringing clarity and balance to a wide range of public-interest stories. His work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, strong beat knowledge, and a commitment to accurate, responsible journalism.