…As Dispute Over May 5 APC Resignation, May 18 Primary Sparks Courtroom Drama
The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has fixed November 24, 2026, for judgment in a suit challenging former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s participation in the May 29, 2026, primary election of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The suit, marked FHC/WR/CS/120/2026, was instituted by Prof. Alexander Osondu Akpodiete, who seeks Omo-Agege’s disqualification and an order declaring him the rightful NDC candidate.
Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa reserved judgment after hearing arguments from counsel representing the parties, including the NDC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A mild drama reportedly unfolded during proceedings when counsel to Omo-Agege told the court that the former Deputy Senate President resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on May 5, 2026, joined the NDC the same day and did not participate in the APC senatorial primary held on May 18.
However, Akpodiete disputed the submission, maintaining that Omo-Agege participated in the May 18 APC primary, publicly declared himself, and later claimed victory in media interviews and appearances on Arise Television and other national platforms.
The conflicting accounts reportedly prompted the presiding judge to question how a politician who allegedly resigned from the APC on May 5 could have participated in the party’s May 18 primary and subsequently claimed victory.
The question reportedly drew laughter in the courtroom, highlighting the controversy surrounding Omo-Agege’s alleged resignation from the APC and his subsequent emergence in the NDC.
Central to Akpodiete’s case is whether Omo-Agege’s alleged membership of NDC if the meets the requirements of the electorial acts of 21 Days intervals and his participation in the APC primary, despite claims that he had already resigned from the party, has any legal implications for his eligibility to contest the NDC primary.
Akpodiete is asking the court to resolve the disputed circumstances surrounding Omo-Agege’s party membership and participation in the primary elections, and consequently declare him the NDC candidate.
The court is expected to determine the substantive issues raised by the parties when it delivers judgment on November 24, 2026.
This current case has brought uncertainty into Omo-Agage’s NDC Delta Central Senatorial District candidature, until court makes his pronunciation, the true candidate of the party will a subject of judicial interpretation.
