A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a suit seeking the prosecution of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, over alleged falsification of election results during the 2023 polls.
According to reports, Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling dated September 23, said Hon. Amobi Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives, presented enough evidence to justify the court’s intervention.
The court granted Ogah permission to seek an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate and possibly prosecute Onyejeocha for alleged result forgery in 62 polling units in Abia State’s Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency.
The ruling does not determine guilt but allows the case to proceed to a full hearing where INEC and other parties will present their arguments.
Reacting, Ogah described the decision as a victory for due process and electoral integrity, saying his aim is to defend democracy.
“This case is about truth, justice and respect for the rule of law. Our democracy must rest on integrity and accountability”, he said.
Onyejeocha has yet to respond officially, though sources close to her office dismissed the claims as politically motivated.
Ogah, who won the House of Representatives seat under the Labour Party, defeated Onyejeocha of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023. She later challenged his victory at the tribunal but lost, with the Court of Appeal affirming Ogah’s win. The Court of Appeal’s decision is final on legislative election disputes in Nigeria.
The suit adds to a series of integrity controversies within President Tinubu’s cabinet. Recently, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, resigned after a published investigative report revealed he submitted forged academic and NYSC certificates for his appointment.
