The tranquility within the Action Alliance (AA) party has been shattered by a renewed leadership struggle, prompting legal intervention to safeguard the party’s recognized leadership. The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, prohibiting them from harassing or arresting Kenneth Udeze, the National Chairman of the AA, and his executive members. This legal intervention stems from an ex parte motion filed by the Udeze-led faction, seeking protection against alleged police intimidation instigated by a disgruntled former party member challenging the established leadership. The court’s decision effectively establishes a legal shield around the incumbent leadership pending a full hearing on a fundamental rights lawsuit.
Justice Chizoba Oji, presiding over the case, issued a clear directive to key figures within the Nigerian police hierarchy, including Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, the Force Criminal Investigation Department, and other involved officers, mandating them to uphold the status quo and refrain from any actions that could undermine the authority of the Udeze-led executive. This directive specifically references a letter dated July 10, 2025, which appears to be the catalyst for the current dispute, and effectively nullifies any police actions predicated on that communication. The court’s order ensures a level playing field until the pending motion is thoroughly examined, offering a temporary reprieve to the embattled AA leadership.
The scope of the court’s protection extends beyond Chairman Udeze, encompassing other key members of the AA executive, including National Secretary Vernimbe James, Treasurer Ekeng Effiom, Financial Secretary Ali Abacha, and Legal Adviser Emeka Anukwuem. This comprehensive approach underscores the court’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the party’s leadership structure and preventing any disruption to its operations. The court’s order meticulously outlines the procedures for serving legal documents, specifying delivery through the Police Legal Department at Force Headquarters and, in the case of the fifth respondent, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, by posting at his Abuja residence. This meticulous approach aims to ensure all parties are duly notified and afforded the opportunity to present their case.
At the heart of this leadership tussle lies Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, a former AA member who has been accused of orchestrating the police action against the Udeze faction. Omoaje’s actions, according to the AA leadership, stem from his dissatisfaction with the outcome of multiple legal battles concerning the party’s chairmanship. Vernimbe James, the National Secretary, asserts that Udeze’s leadership has been repeatedly affirmed by at least nine court judgments, including rulings from the Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority in Nigeria. Despite these legal setbacks, Omoaje is alleged to have resorted to extrajudicial means by engaging police intervention and allegedly pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize him as the legitimate chairman of the AA.
The AA, in a public statement, contends that Omoaje’s actions are a blatant disregard for the rule of law and an attempt to circumvent the judicial process. They allege that Omoaje, while his appeal at the Supreme Court is still pending, is attempting to usurp the authority of the legitimately elected leadership and prevent them from fulfilling their duties. This, they argue, constitutes a brazen attempt to subvert the party’s internal democratic processes and destabilize its operations. The AA leadership has called on INEC to remain steadfast and resist any pressure to recognize Omoaje, urging the commission to uphold the results of the February 22, 2025 National Convention that affirmed Udeze as chairman.
This internal conflict within the AA takes place against a broader backdrop of political tension. The party has publicly condemned what it describes as the “disturbing action” of the police against Omoyele Sowore, the chairman of the African Action Congress, and demanded his immediate release or arraignment if valid charges exist. This highlights the AA’s concern over perceived police overreach and their commitment to due process and the protection of fundamental rights, even for members of other political parties. The situation within the AA underscores the challenges faced by political parties in Nigeria, where internal disputes and alleged external interference often threaten to undermine their stability and effectiveness. The court’s intervention, while temporary, offers a path towards resolving the current leadership crisis and preserving the integrity of the AA’s internal democratic processes.
