APC Lawyers Urge NJC To Probe Arrest Order Against Okorocha, Ararume  

The APC Progressive Lawyers Forum has asked the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate an arrest order reportedly issued by an Abuja magistrate against former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume over the disputed All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Imo West.

The group also called on the relevant judicial authorities to review the legality of the order and consider suspending its enforcement where legally justified while the review is ongoing.

The Forum said the development could affect the ongoing legal battle over the APC senatorial ticket, particularly with the Federal High Court reportedly having fixed a date to deliver judgment on the rival claims to the party’s tickets for the Orlu and Okigwe senatorial zones.

It argued that, with the substantive dispute awaiting the court’s decision, all parties should exercise restraint and avoid actions that could introduce further legal complications or interfere with the judicial process.

The group alleged that the arrest order was linked to efforts by individuals it described as supporters of Governor Hope Uzodimma to influence the political climate ahead of the pending judgment. It called for the allegation to be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

“The administration of justice must be protected from every appearance of political interference. Where a substantive matter is already before a competent court, all parties must respect due process and refrain from actions capable of prejudicing public confidence in the judicial process,” the Forum said.

It maintained that the rule of law must prevail over political interests, urging the NJC to determine whether the circumstances surrounding the reported order and the procedures leading to its issuance complied with the relevant judicial requirements.

The Forum further insisted that the dispute over the APC senatorial ticket should be settled through the courts rather than actions that might be interpreted as putting pressure on the parties involved.

Reaffirming the NJC’s responsibility to uphold judicial integrity and public trust in the judiciary, the group urged the council to investigate the reported arrest order and take any further steps considered appropriate under the law.