By John Azu
The Supreme Court has fixed November 16 for judgment in the leadership dispute rocking the Action Alliance (AA), a development that could affect the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The date was contained in a notice of judgment to the parties, signed by the court’s registry and dated October 16, 2026. The notice cited Order 2, Rule 1(2) of the Supreme Court Rules, 1985.
The development followed the withdrawal of an appeal by Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, who was earlier listed as the party’s presidential candidate, in a case with reference number SC/CV/162/2024.
The appeal concerns the leadership of the party, with Omoaje challenging the position of the faction led by Chief Kenneth Udeze.
The Supreme Court is expected to determine the appeal on the adjourned date. However, the effect of the withdrawal on the final disposition of the case will depend on the court’s decision.
The dispute has also raised questions about the recognition of the party’s leadership and candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
On August 1, INEC published the names of Omoaje and Shehu Hussaini as the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively, for the 2027 general elections.
Udeze, however, faulted the publication, arguing that it excluded the party’s executive members and their duly nominated candidates.
He maintained that INEC’s action amounted to wilful disobedience of subsisting court judgments, including decisions of the Court of Appeal affirming the leadership of the Udeze-led National Executive Committee.
The faction has relied on the Court of Appeal’s judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/922/2022, which it says dismissed Omoaje’s case and affirmed the validity of the Udeze-led executive as the party’s lawful leadership.
Reacting to the latest development, Udeze said the anticipated dismissal of the appeal would leave INEC with no basis to continue recognising any rival leadership.
“With the impending Supreme Court dismissal, INEC will have no other option than to fully comply with the judgment of the Court of Appeal and give full recognition to the Chief Kenneth Udeze-led leadership as the only lawful leadership of the Action Alliance,” he said.
He urged party members and supporters across the country to remain calm and law-abiding amid the dispute.
“All members and supporters of Action Alliance nationwide are enjoined to remain calm, law-abiding, and disregard any publication from any impostor claiming to act for the party,” Udeze said.