The Federal High Court in Osogbo has issued a firm seven-day deadline to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognise Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as the National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), marking a new turn in the party’s prolonged leadership tussle.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Demi-Ajayi directed INEC to immediately update its official portal to reflect Omoaje’s position as the authentic chairman, in full compliance with an earlier judgment delivered on November 11, 2024. That ruling had affirmed the legitimacy of the National Executive Committee (NEC) elected during the party’s October 2023 national convention in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Although INEC had updated its portal to include other NEC members, it omitted Omoaje’s name — a development the court described as “partial compliance,” stressing that “partial compliance is no compliance.” The judge further noted that INEC’s actions suggested “a lack of respect for the court” and hinted at possible bias.
Justice Ajayi also clarified that the commission’s filing of an appeal did not amount to a stay of execution, insisting that INEC must fully obey the subsisting court order. For its failure to comply, the court awarded a cost of ₦100,000 against the electoral body.
Background
The Action Alliance has been embroiled in internal leadership disputes since its 2023 national convention, which produced Omoaje as national chairman. The disagreement escalated after INEC failed to acknowledge him in its official records, prompting a series of legal battles. Thursday’s judgment reinforces the earlier court decision and places renewed pressure on INEC to resolve the lingering recognition controversy within the party.
