Court of Appeal Affirms Kenneth Udeze as Action Alliance National Chairman

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has finally settled the leadership dispute within the Action Alliance party, affirming Chief Kenneth Udeze as the authentic National Chairman.

A three-judge panel led by Justice H.A. Barka dismissed an appeal filed by Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, who had challenged an earlier FCT High Court judgment that validated Udeze’s position. The appellate court awarded costs of N4 million against Omoaje in favor of Udeze and three other respondents.

In a related appeal filed by one Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu, the same panel also affirmed Udeze’s chairmanship after parties reached a mediated settlement at the Court of Appeal mediation center. The agreement was adopted by all parties and entered as judgment.

Years of Legal Battle End

The twin judgments bring closure to a protracted legal tussle that has dragged on since 2022. The original FCT High Court decision by Justice Eleojo Enenche on March 28, 2022, had already validated the party’s March 14, 2021 National Convention that produced Udeze as chairman.

With these latest rulings, the Action Alliance can now move past internal leadership questions — though broader challenges remain. The party still faces potential deregistration threats from INEC over performance and compliance issues affecting many smaller parties.

Party Reacts

Action Alliance National Publicity Secretary Rev. Dennis I. Ubani thanked the judiciary and praised the party’s legal team led by former Attorney-General Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN.

“We thank all the party faithful across Nigeria and beyond for their prayers, and we urge you to have faith and always support Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze-led National Executives of the Action Alliance,” Ubani said in a statement.

The resolution comes at a critical time for Nigerian politics, with parties positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Having settled its leadership question, the Action Alliance can now focus on rebuilding and preparing for upcoming electoral contests.

Sources: Guardian Nigeria, Tribune Online, Leadership, Independent