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

The Federal High Court in Abuja has decisively rejected former Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha's, attempt to intervene in a forgery suit related to the 2023 National Assembly election results. This ruling, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, upholds the integrity of the electoral process and dismisses Onyejeocha's bid to become a party in the case brought by House of Representatives member Amobi Ogah against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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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 core of the legal battle revolves around alleged forgery of election results from the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia state. Ogah's suit seeks a mandamus order compelling INEC to investigate and prosecute Onyejeocha for presenting a disputed result. This matter has previously been scrutinized by both the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal, both of which ruled in favor of Ogah, underscoring the persistent questions surrounding the authenticity of the results presented by the former minister.

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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.

INEC's stance in the proceedings has been critical. The commission has reportedly disassociated itself from the result submitted by Onyejeocha, affirming that it did not originate from their official channels. Conversely, they have affirmed the authenticity of the result relied upon by Ogah. This position by the electoral body lends significant weight to Ogah's claims and further isolates Onyejeocha's defense.

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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 court's decision, Umeh Kalu, counsel for Ogah, hailed the ruling as a victory for legal and factual accuracy. He argued that Onyejeocha's involvement was superfluous, as the central dispute could be effectively resolved between his client and INEC. While Onyejeocha's legal team, represented by John Agim, stated they would review the ruling, the court's dismissal signals a significant setback for the former minister and a step towards resolving the electoral dispute.

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The decision as consistent with the law and the facts before the court.