APC pressure group knocks court over alleged incursion in Ondo party matters

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo APC Arise Movement, a pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has questioned the legitimacy of a Federal High Court ruling on the party’s congress, insisting that internal party matters are outside the courts’ jurisdiction as provided in the Electoral Act of 2026.

In a statement issued in Akure, the group’s Chairman, Yemi Patrick Adetoyinbo, and Secretary, Odele Olatubosun, urged political actors to act within legal boundaries and respect provisions governing party affairs.

Citing Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act, the group noted that courts are generally barred from entertaining suits involving the internal workings of political parties, except in circumstances clearly allowed by law.

It added that any suit filed in violation of this provision should not attract interim rulings, with the court required to defer decisions until the final judgment stage, while giving priority to accelerated hearing.

Referencing Section 83(6), the group highlighted penalties, including a minimum of N10 million for plaintiffs and their lawyers, and pointed out that Section 83(3) empowers INEC to direct investigations to relevant party officials at national, state, local government, or ward levels.

The movement raised concerns about the motive behind the court action, asking, “Who seeks to destabilise the APC in Ondo State, and for what purpose?”

Claiming to represent the “silent majority” of party members, the group reiterated its commitment to defending APC’s stability, and the legal soundness of its internal processes, while expressing worry over the potential impact of external forces on party unity.

The group concluded by declaring their resolve to continue pursuing party unity and cohesion. “We, the silent majority of party members, shall arise and continue to uphold lawful party procedures and cohesion in the state,” the movement said.