Abuja, June 6, 2026 – Mr Innocent Ojike has approached the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, challenging the declaration of Kosisochukwu Ibemesi as the winner of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) primary election for Oyi Constituency.
In the suit, filed by his counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Reuben Atabo, Ojike joined Ibemesi and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as respondents in the case marked FHC/AWK/CS/173/2026.
The claimant alleged that he secured the highest number of valid votes during the party primary held on May 23, 2026, and was duly returned as winner by the designated Returning Officer, Dr Nnewaluem James.
He maintained that he polled 3,524 lawful votes and was the legitimate winner of the exercise, arguing that he should be recognised as the rightful candidate of APGA for the forthcoming general election in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Ojike, who currently represents Oyi Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, is seeking 12 reliefs from the court.
He is asking the court to nullify the party’s purported declaration of Ibemesi as winner, which was made on May 25, 2026, and to set aside the announcement.
He also wants an order compelling APGA to submit his name as the party’s candidate, while directing INEC to accept, publish, and recognise him as the duly nominated flagbearer for the 2027 elections.
In addition, the lawmaker is seeking N100 million in exemplary damages against APGA and Ibemesi, as well as another N100 million as cost of the suit.
The matter has yet to be assigned to a judge for hearing.