By Nkechi Eze
The Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi has delivered a decisive judgment affirming the legitimacy of the National Convention of the Action Alliance and the leadership of its National Executive Committee headed by Kenneth Udeze.
The ruling effectively settles a protracted leadership dispute within the party, bringing clarity to its organisational structure ahead of future electoral activities.
The case originated from a suit filed by Manga Asha, who challenged the validity of the party’s National Convention held in Abuja on February 22, 2025. He had argued that Udeze and the party’s National Secretary, James Vernimbe, were not legitimate officers of the party and therefore lacked the authority to convene the convention.
However, the High Court, after reviewing evidence including prior judgments affirming Udeze’s status as a recognised national officer, dismissed the suit and upheld the convention as lawful and valid.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Asha proceeded to the Court of Appeal in Makurdi. After hearing submissions from counsel, the appellate court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the earlier ruling of the High Court, thereby validating both the February 2025 convention and the leadership structure that emerged from it.
Legal representation in the matter saw Asha represented by Barrister Aleichenu Ogwuche, while Udeze was represented by Yakubu Madeh. Vernimbe, on his part, engaged constitutional lawyer Ezenwa Ibegbunam.
The judgment has now put an end to the lingering internal crisis that had trailed the party’s leadership, providing a clear legal position on its recognised executives. Observers note that the ruling also removes any ambiguity for the Independent National Electoral Commission in dealing with the party’s leadership in future electoral processes.
Reacting to the verdict, Udeze described the judgment as a triumph of the rule of law and a validation of due process. He assured party members that with the leadership dispute now resolved, the Action Alliance is repositioned to actively participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The appellate court’s decision is widely seen as a turning point for the party, restoring internal stability and paving the way for renewed political engagement.
