A suit challenging the legitimacy and tenure of Lawrence Okah as the Secretary of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was dismissed by an Edo State High Court on Friday.
The dismissal comes after the claimant, Comrade Curtis Ugbo, filed a notice of discontinuance, signaling a potential resolution of the internal party dispute.
Justice Mary Asemota, presiding over the case, delivered the ruling following a preliminary objection that had been previously raised. The claimant’s counsel, Ifeoma Okpara, informed the court of the decision to discontinue the suit, citing internal reconciliation efforts within the APC.
The initial suit, marked No. B/228/2026, was filed by Comrade Ugbo against the APC, its National Working Committee (NWC), and Lawrence Okah. It sought judicial intervention regarding the party’s leadership structure in Edo State. Okah’s legal team had previously challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
During the resumed proceedings, Okpara stated that the party had engaged in discussions, and she had been authorized by the claimant to discontinue the case. She referenced Order 23 Rule One of the Edo State High Court rules as the basis for the discontinuance notice, which was filed on May 7th.
Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, leading a team of 17 lawyers representing the defendant, did not oppose the notice of discontinuance but requested a cost of N2 million. Justice Asemota dismissed the case and awarded N100,000 in costs against the claimant.
In response to the dismissal, Lawrence Okah expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. He stated, “Some individuals, feeling threatened by my position as APC secretary, attempted to cause disruption. However, the court, in its wisdom, dismissed the case and awarded costs.”
Douglas Ogbankwa, another counsel for the defendants, suggested that the claimant’s decision to discontinue the case stemmed from the realization that defeat was imminent. He further alleged that the claimant sought to avoid a potential N10 million penalty applicable to suits concerning the internal affairs of a political party brought before the court, as stipulated under the Electoral Act.
Ifeoma Okpara, counsel for the claimant, clarified that the discontinuance was a direct result of interventions by party leaders, elders, and stakeholders who facilitated reconciliation between the involved parties. The move signals a potential end to the leadership squabble within the Edo State APC.
