RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
The Federal High Court in Abuja has reportedly declined jurisdiction in a suit seeking clarification of the national leadership of the Action Alliance (AA) ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
According to details of the reported ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the court could not entertain the action in the manner it was instituted because the reliefs sought involved the interpretation or review of previous judicial decisions.
The plaintiffs, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1377/2026, reportedly approached the court to determine the rightful National Chairman of the party and clarify issues concerning its leadership structure and recognition of candidates for the forthcoming elections.
The judge was said to have maintained that a trial court cannot exercise appellate authority over decisions of a higher court or review judgments delivered by another court of coordinate jurisdiction.
The ruling reportedly distinguished between permissible requests for the interpretation of written instruments and proceedings that effectively seek to reopen matters already decided by competent courts.
Justice Ekwo was also reported to have emphasised the responsibility of political parties to manage their internal affairs in accordance with their constitutions and applicable laws.
The court consequently declined jurisdiction without determining which faction was entitled to lead the party.
The reported decision comes amid longstanding disagreements over the leadership of the Action Alliance, involving rival claims associated with Kenneth Udeze and Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.
In April 2026, another Federal High Court judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, struck out a separate suit involving the party’s leadership and the nomination of candidates for the Ekiti governorship election.
That court held that the dispute substantially concerned internal party affairs and declined to determine its merits.
The leadership controversy has also generated proceedings before appellate courts, with competing factions relying on different judicial decisions to support their positions.
The Supreme Court has scheduled proceedings connected with the leadership dispute for November 16, 2026, following an application to withdraw an appeal.
The latest reported ruling does not, by itself, establish which faction controls the Action Alliance or resolve all pending litigation concerning the party.
Independent confirmation of the specific judgment, including its certified ruling and full orders, remains necessary to establish its precise legal implications.
