The Action Alliance, a Nigerian political party, has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission to reevaluate its compliance with a Federal High Court judgment. The court, sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, had ordered INEC to recognize the party’s National Executive Committee members elected during its national convention in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 2023.

Following a meeting of the party’s National Think Tank Committee and the National Executive Committee, the party leadership claimed that INEC’s compliance with the court’s judgment was incomplete. Specifically, the party noted that INEC failed to include the name of its National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, on its portal, contrary to the court ruling delivered by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olu Omotosho, expressed concern over INEC’s partial adherence to the court’s judgment. Omotosho emphasized that the issue referenced by INEC regarding a pending Supreme Court matter was unrelated, as the court’s judgment was clear and unambiguous. He also maintained that Kenneth Udeze, who claims to be the party’s National Chairman, has not been a member of the party since 2019, when he was expelled for serious infractions, including misappropriation of party funds and anti-party activities.

According to Omotosho, Udeze’s expulsion was ratified by the National Think Tank Committee and affirmed by the Supreme Court. Despite this, Udeze has attempted to reclaim his position through various means, losing over 30 legal cases in the process. Omotosho argued that INEC’s delay in recognizing the legitimate National Executive Committee was unjustified, given the clear court rulings on the matter.

The Action Alliance’s request for INEC to reevaluate its compliance with the court judgment highlights the ongoing dispute over the party’s leadership. The party’s leadership has emphasized the need for INEC to respect the court’s ruling and recognize the duly elected National Executive Committee. The outcome of this dispute may have significant implications for the party’s participation in future elections and its role in Nigerian politics.