HURIWA Raises Alarm Over Possible Refiling of Case
In a surprising turn of events, a lawsuit seeking to declare the seat of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the representative of Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, vacant has been officially withdrawn. The suit, which was filed at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja, was allegedly orchestrated by political loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. However, concerns have been raised that there are ongoing covert plans to refile the case.
Legal Drama Unfolds as Case is Withdrawn
The lawsuit, identified as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/281/2025, was initiated on February 18, 2025, by Hon. Augustine Nwachukwu, Hon. ThankGod Okeke, and three others. These individuals, reportedly strong allies of Minister Wike, sought a legal ruling on whether Hon. Ugochinyere’s alleged expulsion from his political party automatically invalidated his seat in the National Assembly.
According to the plaintiffs, sections 65(2)(b) and 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) stipulate that a lawmaker loses his seat if he is no longer a member of the party that sponsored his election, except in cases covered by specific exceptions.
However, in a Notice of Discontinuance dated February 20, 2025, the plaintiffs abruptly declared their decision to withdraw the case, stating that they no longer intended to pursue the matter.
The legal notice, filed under Order 50 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019, read in part:
> “Take notice that the Plaintiffs/Applicants herein intend and do hereby wholly discontinue their suit (i.e., SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/281/2025 BETWEEN HON. AUSTINE NWACHUKWU & ORS V. HON. IKENGA ONYINYE UGOCHINYERE IKEAGWUONU & ORS) against all the Defendants in the above-mentioned suit.”
The document also revealed that the defendants had not yet been served with the originating summons, further casting doubt on the true intent behind the lawsuit.
HURIWA Alleges Secret Plan to Refile Case
Reacting to the withdrawal, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a leading pro-democracy advocacy group, dismissed the suit as “laughable, baseless, and lacking legal merit.”
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed skepticism over the discontinuation, alleging that the plaintiffs were planning to refile the case in secret.
> “We are not surprised that this suit was withdrawn because it was built on weak legal foundations. However, we have received credible intelligence that the same individuals are planning to refile it secretly. If they do, it will still be dead on arrival,” Onwubiko stated.
The advocacy group condemned the alleged misuse of the judiciary for political vendettas, calling on political actors to uphold the principles of democracy rather than engage in frivolous legal battles.
> “It is high time these desperate political actors grew up and stopped making a mockery of the judiciary and the rule of law,” the statement added.
Political Undertones: Wike vs. Ugochinyere?
The lawsuit’s withdrawal has fueled speculation about an ongoing power struggle between Minister Nyesom Wike and Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a vocal lawmaker known for his outspoken criticism of political injustices.
Political analysts argue that the aborted lawsuit was a strategic attempt to weaken Ugochinyere’s influence within the National Assembly. However, the public exposure of the plot seemingly forced the plaintiffs to backtrack.
> “This move was clearly politically motivated. The withdrawal suggests that there was no legal basis for the case in the first place,” a legal expert told journalists.
What Next? Will the Case Resurface?
Despite the discontinuation, questions remain about whether this legal battle is truly over. If HURIWA’s claims of a secret plan to refile the case are accurate, then a fresh lawsuit could emerge in the coming weeks.
For now, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere retains his position as the duly elected representative of Ideato North/South Federal Constituency. However, as Nigeria’s political landscape remains turbulent, observers are keeping a close watch on further developments.
Conclusion: A Political Battle Far From Over
The withdrawal of the lawsuit against Ugochinyere highlights the interplay between law and politics in Nigeria. While the case has been formally discontinued, allegations of behind-the-scenes maneuvering raise concerns about the continued use of the judiciary for political warfare.
As Nigerians demand transparency and accountability, the question remains: Is this the end of the saga, or just the beginning of another legal battle?
Only time will tell.
