A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed the application filed by Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, immediate past minister of state for labour and employment, seeking to be joined in the suit filed by Amobi Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives.

 

The main suit was filed by Ogah to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute Onyejeocha over alleged forgery of election results pertaining to Isikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency in Abia state in 2023.

 

The lawmaker had asked the electoral umpire to prosecute Onyejeocha for allegedly forging election results tendered before the tribunal.

 

Onyejeocha, through her counsel, sought leave of court to join the suit since she was not joined as a defendant.

 

Ogah’s counsel had said the ex-minister had no business in the proceedings as the matter is between INEC and the federal lawmaker.

 

M.G Umar, the presiding judge, on Monday, dismissed Onyejeocha’s application.

 

BACKGROUND

In February 2023, INEC declared Ogah of the Labour Party (LP) winner of the Isikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency election in Abia with 11,769 votes, while Onyejeocha of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled second with 8,752 votes.

 

Dissatisfied with the result, Onyejeocha, a former member of the house of representatives, filed a petition before the tribunal, seeking the nullification of Ogah’s election.

 

In September 2023, the tribunal sacked Ogah and declared Onyejeocha winner.

 

Ogah appealed the verdict, seeking reinstatement.

 

In November 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the tribunal’s decision and restored Ogah’s victory.

 

In a petition dated April 14, 2024, and addressed to Mahmood Yakubu, then INEC chairman, Ogah alleged that Onyejeocha forged some polling unit results presented before the tribunal.

 

The lawmaker said the delay in petitioning INEC was due to the time required to gather sufficient evidence.

 

In September 2025, Ogah filed an ex parte application, seeking a mandamus order compelling INEC to investigate and prosecute Onyejeocha.

 

He alleged that the former minister forged some election results (exhibit 3) and “passed them off as official documents”.

 

Onyejeocha resigned as minister of state for labour and employment in April.