The National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Barrister Kenneth Udeze, has debunked reports alleging that the Federal High Court in Osogbo ordered the arrest and imprisonment of the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Udeze clarified that no such order exists and described the viral reports as politically motivated fabrications meant to tarnish the image of the immediate past INEC boss.
He urged Nigerians to disregard what he called “false and baseless propaganda,” insisting that the judiciary had not issued any directive against Yakubu.
‘Show the court order if it exists,’ Udeze challenges critics
The AA Chairman threw a challenge to those spreading the claims, asking them to publicly present the supposed court order. According to him, the individuals behind the rumour were engaging in deliberate misinformation.
He advised that the former INEC Chairman should be allowed to enjoy his retirement in peace after what he described as “commendable contributions to electoral reforms and the strengthening of democracy.”
Udeze further stated that the allegations were being circulated by political rivals who had failed to understand ongoing judicial proceedings involving the party.
Internal party dispute behind misleading reports
Providing further context, Udeze linked the fake report to a factional dispute within the Action Alliance. He accused one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and his associates of “forum shopping” by secretly filing fresh suits against INEC without the consent of the party’s legitimate leadership.
He revealed that Omoaje currently has a pending appeal before the Supreme Court (SC/CV/162/2024), which is yet to be decided. Despite that, the group allegedly filed a new case at the Federal High Court in Osogbo using AA’s name unlawfully.
Udeze called on party members to remain calm, stressing that the truth would prevail once the Supreme Court delivers its final judgment.