Court Affirms Vin Onyeka as APC Candidate for Nnewi Federal Constituency in 2027

By Praise Chinecherem

The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed Chief Vincent Onyeka, popularly known as Vin Onyeka, as the duly elected candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election.

The judgment, delivered on October 26, 2026, by Justice M.G. Umar in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1513/2026, upheld Onyeka’s victory in the APC direct primary election conducted on May 16, 2026.

In a statement following the judgment, Onyeka declared that the court affirmed him as the only validly elected candidate from the primary and ordered the APC to submit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its duly nominated candidate for the 2027 general election.

According to him, the court found that his name had been unlawfully substituted by the party, directing INEC to recognise and accept him as the authentic APC candidate for the constituency.

The court, he adds, also restrained the defendants from recognising, accepting, publishing or acting upon the name of the substituted candidate as the APC’s flag bearer for the federal constituency.

Part of the judgment reads:

“An order directing the 2nd Defendant to forthwith transmit/submit the name of the Plaintiff, Vincent Onyeka, as its duly nominated and validly elected candidate for the House of Representatives Election for Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in Anambra State to the 3rd Defendant for the 2027 General Elections, having emerged winner of the Primary Election of the 2nd Defendant held on the 16th of May, 2026 and discovered that his name was unlawfully substituted on the 18th of May, 2026.”

The court further issued a mandatory injunction directing INEC to recognise and accept Onyeka as the APC candidate for the election, alongside a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from recognising or presenting the substituted candidate.

Reacting to the ruling, Onyeka described the judgment as a victory for justice, democratic principles and respect for the will of party members.

“The court has spoken, and justice has prevailed,” he declared.

He maintained that the judgment went beyond a personal legal victory, describing it as an affirmation of due process and the right of party members to have their electoral choices respected.

The APC candidate expressed appreciation to party faithful, supporters, political associates, family members, friends and well-wishers who stood by him throughout the legal battle.

He particularly acknowledged their patience, encouragement and confidence in the judicial process, noting that their support had been invaluable during the challenging period.

Onyeka also urged his supporters and constituents to remain calm, peaceful and committed to democratic values as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.

Reaffirming his commitment to the people of Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo, he called for unity, mutual respect and accountability among stakeholders in the constituency.

“The judgment is public, the court’s orders are clear, and the record speaks for itself,” he added.

The ruling represents a significant development in the political contest for the Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The suit was instituted by Vincent Onyeka against Dame Princess Esomeju Nwafor-Orizu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), listed as the first, second and third defendants, respectively.

#