It was a moment of jubilation and renewed confidence among supporters of Chief Vin Onyeka as the long-awaited Federal High Court order was publicly unveiled, affirming his victory in the APC direct primary election for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency. In its ruling delivered on 26 October 2026 in Abuja, the court unequivocally declared Vincent Onyeka the only candidate who emerged victorious from the valid primary election conducted by the APC on 16 May 2026. The ruling represents a decisive legal development in the dispute over the party’s nomination for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
In clear and unambiguous terms, the court held that Chief Vin Onyeka’s name was unlawfully substituted after the primary and ordered the APC to forthwith transmit his name to INEC as its duly nominated candidate. More significantly, INEC was directed to recognise and accept him as the APC candidate for the constituency. The court also granted perpetual injunctions restraining the defendants from recognising, publishing or acting upon the name of the substituted candidate, as well as restraining her from presenting herself as the party’s candidate. These are not mere political claims; they are express orders contained in the court’s ruling.
The unveiling of this court order marks an important moment in the pursuit of due process and respect for the outcome of the party primary. As the political season approaches, the focus remains on the democratic process, the rule of law and the mandate determined by the APC primary election. The court has made its pronouncement on the nomination dispute, and its orders speak for themselves. The judgment is now public. The facts are on record. The legal position has been pronounced.
