APP Rejects Alleged Court Nullification of Nationwide Congresses

The Action Peoples Party (APP) in Imo State has dismissed reports claiming that a Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara State, nullified the party’s nationwide congresses. The party described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that no such judgment or order exists.

In a statement issued by the Imo State Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Steve Nnadi, the party refuted claims that a court presided over by Justice Hamza Mohamed invalidated congresses conducted under the leadership of the party’s national chairman, Barrister Uchenna Nnadi. According to the statement, the alleged ruling, which purportedly affected all state chapters including Imo, is entirely fabricated.

The controversy stems from reports suggesting that the Federal High Court in Zamfara nullified congresses organized by the APP nationwide. These congresses, including the one held in Imo State earlier in April 2026, produced new party executives. In Imo, the exercise led to the emergence of Hon. Ernest Njesi as the state chairman alongside other officials.

However, the Imo chapter maintains that the reports of nullification are baseless. Nnadi stated categorically that no court order—whether judgment or ex parte—was issued against the party’s congresses. He emphasized that the party remains legally intact and fully operational, with no deregistration or judicial interference affecting its activities.

The statement also questioned the jurisdiction of the alleged court action, arguing that a Federal High Court in Zamfara would lack the authority to adjudicate matters concerning the internal affairs of a political party’s nationwide congresses, particularly through an ex parte motion. The party further described the individual reportedly behind the suit, Kelechi Anyanwu, as unknown and unaffiliated with the APP.

In strong terms, the Imo APP accused political opponents, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, of being behind the circulation of what it termed “fake news.” The party alleged that the misinformation campaign was a deliberate attempt to discredit its leadership and create confusion among members and the public.

Political party congresses are critical processes through which internal leadership structures are established across local, state, and national levels. Any judicial nullification of such exercises can significantly disrupt party operations, affect legitimacy, and create leadership disputes.

In Nigeria’s political landscape, legal battles over party congresses and primaries are not uncommon. Courts are frequently called upon to interpret party constitutions, electoral guidelines, and disputes arising from internal processes. However, jurisdictional issues and the authenticity of court orders often become points of contention, especially when conflicting claims emerge.

The APP’s swift rejection of the alleged ruling reflects a broader pattern among political parties to protect their internal processes from external interference or what they perceive as politically motivated litigation. The accusation against the APC-led government in Imo State also highlights the intense rivalry and mistrust that often characterize inter-party relations at the state level.

For party members and stakeholders, clarity on the legitimacy of congresses is essential, as it determines leadership authority and the party’s preparedness for future elections. Any uncertainty can weaken organizational cohesion and undermine confidence among supporters.

The Action Peoples Party in Imo State has firmly denied reports of a court-ordered nullification of its nationwide congresses, describing the claims as false and politically motivated. By reaffirming the legitimacy of its congress and leadership, the party seeks to maintain stability within its ranks and reassure members of its قانونی standing. As political tensions persist, the situation underscores the importance of accurate information and judicial transparency in Nigeria’s democratic processes.