By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, the Ondo APC Arise Movement, has raised concerns over a court order reportedly affecting the party’s congress in the state, arguing that internal party affairs are largely outside the jurisdiction of the courts under the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement issued in Akure on Thursday, and signed by its Chairman, Yemi Patrick Adetoyinbo, and Secretary, Odele Olatubosun, the group stressed that political actors must operate within the confines of the law and respect statutory provisions governing party processes.
Citing Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act, the group said the law provides that no court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit relating to the internal affairs of a political party, except as otherwise stipulated.
According to the statement, the Act further states that where such an action is brought contrary to the provision, courts are not to grant interim or interlocutory injunctions. Instead, they are to suspend ruling until the stage of final judgment while granting accelerated hearing to the matter.
The group also referenced Section 83(6), which it said prescribes penalties, including a minimum cost of N10 million each against counsel and the plaintiff where a suit is found to have been filed in violation of the provision.
It added that Section 83(3) empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to direct enquiries on party matters to appropriate officials of the political party at the national, state, local government or ward levels.
Raising questions over the implications of the court order, the group asked what it described as a “fundamental question” about the motive behind the legal action.
“Who wants to destabilise the APC in Ondo State and for what end?” the statement queried.
The Ondo APC Arise Movement said it represents the “silent majority” of party members committed to the stability of the ruling party in the state, adding that stakeholders would continue to defend the unity and legal integrity of the party’s processes.
“We the silent majority of party members shall arise,” the statement concluded.
