IBADAN — A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has ruled that Article 25 of the Accord constitution, relied upon by the party’s State Working Committee to engage a legal practitioner, supersedes Article 18, which was invoked by the National Chairman, Mr. Maxwell Ngbudem.
Justice Uche Agomoh, in a judgment delivered on Friday, held that under the party’s constitution, all party officials and directorates must operate under the office of the National Secretary, who is constitutionally empowered to organize legal representation for the party in any litigation.
This ruling effectively lays to rest the protracted controversy surrounding whether the National Chairman or the National Secretary holds the constitutional authority to appoint legal representation for the party.
By implication, the judgment has cleared the legal path for the resumption and continuation of proceedings in the substantive suit concerning the party’s governorship candidate crisis, which had been earlier adjourned to September 30.
The suit, registered under number FHC/IB/CS/97/26 and filed by plaintiff’s counsel Mr. Tunji Ogunrinde (SAN), is urging the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the name of Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat. The name was allegedly uploaded to the electoral body’s portal by a faction of the party leadership, and the plaintiff wants it replaced with Alhaji Kunle Busari, whom the party claims is the bonafide winner of the primary and the duly elected flag bearer for the 2027 general election.
Reacting to the judgment, Accord National Secretary, Dr. Adebukola Ajaja, appealed to party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast, reiterating that the national leadership remains resolute in asserting party supremacy and ensuring that the choice of the popularly elected candidate is legally protected.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Secretary of Accord, Hon. Olayinka Dairo, described the court’s validation of the legal representation as a welcome development and a resounding victory for the rule of law.
Hon. Dairo urged supporters across the state to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the collective will of the majority will ultimately prevail over minority interests.
Echoing similar sentiments, the State Treasurer of the party, Hon. Nurudeen Okunola, described the court verdict as a triumph of truth over falsehood and political deception orchestrated by interlopers.
