The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit by former lawmaker Ifeanyi Araraume contesting the All Progressives Congress’s selection of Patrick Ndubueze as its candidate for the Imo North senatorial district in the 2027 elections. Justice Salim Ibrahim ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the case amounted to an abuse of process.
In a judgement delivered on August 26, the court upheld a preliminary objection filed by Ndubueze. The judge found that a court of coordinate jurisdiction, the Federal High Court in Owerri had already decided a related dispute on June 25 concerning the same primary election held by the APC on May 18.
Araraume had sued the APC, Ndubueze and the Independent National Electoral Commission in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1569/2026. He asked the court to order INEC to recognise and publish his name as the party’s candidate, restrain Ndubueze from presenting himself as the nominee, and set aside the commission’s July 11 upload of Ndubueze’s name on its portal.
His application relied on provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution. Ndubueze’s lawyers argued the matter had already been settled and that the new suit was improper. INEC stated it would follow the court’s decision and confirmed that the name uploaded by the party on July 11 was Ndubueze’s, which remained on the portal at the time of the hearing. Justice Ibrahim sustained the objection, struck out the suit and made no order as to costs.
The dispute centres on the outcome of the APC primary for the Imo North senatorial seat. Araraume sought to have himself declared the valid candidate in place of Ndubueze after the party submitted the latter’s particulars to INEC.
With the Abuja suit dismissed on jurisdictional grounds, the recognition of Ndubueze as the APC candidate for the 2027 Imo North election stands pending any further legal steps that may be taken in other courts.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
