Ozigbo Reacts to Court Defeat, Decries ‘Miscarriage of Justice’ in APC Primary Ruling

Valentine Ozigbo has reacted strongly to the ruling of the Federal High Court in Awka, which on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, upheld the controversial emergence of Nicholas Ukachukwu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the November 8 Anambra election. The court dismissed Ozigbo’s suit challenging Ukachukwu’s candidacy despite what his legal team described as overwhelming evidence of electoral and constitutional violations.

Ozigbo, former PDP Govenrship candidate  and APC aspirant, had sought to nullify Ukachukwu’s nomination on the grounds that he was not a valid member of the APC at the time of the April 5 primary. His legal team, led by Senior Advocates Umeh Kalu and Berth Igwilo, argued that Ukachukwu’s membership records were fraudulently backdated, contrary to the party’s constitution and electoral regulations. Sworn affidavits from party officials and official documentation were presented to support the claim.

In the ruling, Justice Evelyn Anyadike acknowledged that there were “discrepancies worthy of concern” in Ukachukwu’s documentation but held that the court lacked jurisdiction to interfere in what it described as the internal affairs of a political party, unless there was incontrovertible proof of wrongdoing. The judge stated that Ozigbo had not met the burden of proof required to show that Ukachukwu’s membership violated APC’s constitutional provisions.

The Valentine Ozigbo Political Organisation described the verdict as “perverse” and disappointing. Speaking after the judgment, Ozigbo expressed deep frustration with the outcome, calling it a blow to due process and democratic integrity.

“This is a sad day for the rule of law,” Ozigbo said. “We came to court armed with truth, with documents, with testimonies, only to be told that due process no longer matters.”

He added, “If a person who failed to meet the party’s constitutional provision can bypass due process through forgery and deceit, what does that say about our democracy?”

Despite the setback, Ozigbo reaffirmed his commitment to continue fighting for justice, noting that he would consult his legal team before deciding the next course of action. “I did not fight this case for myself,” he said. “I fought for Ndi Anambra. I fought to protect the soul of our democracy. And that fight is far from over.”

Reactions within the APC have been mixed, with some party leaders expressing concern about the long-term implications of the judgment. Chief Tony Offiah, a prominent figure in Ozigbo’s political organisation, warned that the ruling sends the wrong signal about integrity in the political process. “This is not a triumph,” Offiah said. “It’s a warning that corruption can wear a party badge and get away with it.”

Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., Ozigbo concluded, “Injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere. Today may belong to impunity, but tomorrow belongs to the people.”