AA Kicks As INEC Moves To Replace State Chairmen

The Action Alliance (AA) has raised the alarm over what it described as an illegal attempt by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace its duly recognised state chairmen across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in alleged defiance of subsisting appellate court judgements.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Vernimbe A. James, and made available to LEADERSHIP in Abuja, the AA condemned INEC’s reported plan to act on a controversial Federal High Court judgement delivered in Osogbo, Osun State.

The party accused the electoral umpire of bowing to political pressure and undermining the rule of law.

“We vehemently disagree with INEC’s decision to proceed with implementing the Osogbo judgment by replacing our legitimate state chairmen,” the statement said. “This action is not only unlawful but also directly contradicts valid and subsisting judgments of the Court of Appeal which affirm Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze as the authentic national chairman of the Action Alliance.”

The AA insisted that the appellate court rulings were binding and superior to the Osogbo High Court decision. It faulted INEC for failing to acknowledge that both a motion for stay of execution and a motion to set aside the Osogbo ruling had already been filed and served on the Commission.

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“The Commission cannot pretend to be unaware of these pending processes,” the statement continued. “We view INEC’s recognition of individuals who are not members of our party as state chairmen as a grave affront on democratic norms and judicial authority.”

The party further accused INEC of withholding critical information from the Osogbo court during the proceedings by failing to disclose the existence of previous judgments that had resolved the internal leadership dispute in its favour.

Describing the Commission’s action as “executive rascality,” the AA said it amounts to a reckless disregard for the judicial hierarchy.

Legal counsel to the party’s state chairmen and FCT representative, Chief K.E. Ngwoke, has reportedly filed necessary motions challenging the Osogbo court ruling, warning INEC against implementing it pending final court determination.

The party also disclosed that it had formally written to the INEC Chairman in a letter dated June 23, 2025, urging the Commission to suspend any action until the motions before the court are heard.

AA stressed that judicial decisions from the Court of Appeal remain superior and binding on all parties, including INEC, until overturned by a higher court. “We demand that the Commission immediately reviews its decision and refrains from further implementing the Osogbo judgment,” the party said.

The statement concluded by urging INEC to respect the sanctity of the judicial process and avoid actions that could destabilize political parties or undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.