Barrister OAU Onyema, a lawyer from Akpagu Ikenga Chambers in Enugu, has emerged as the senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Enugu West Senatorial District in the 2027 general election. His emergence was confirmed after a Federal High Court in Enugu dismissed a suit challenging his candidacy. The court, presided over by Justice S.O.G. Ogunbanjo, described the suit as lacking merit and substance.
The suit, marked FHC/EN/CS/218/2026, was filed by Evangelist Juliet Ani against the ADC, Onyema, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ani had challenged Onyema's emergence as the party's senatorial candidate for Enugu West, creating uncertainty around the party's representation in the forthcoming election. However, Onyema expressed satisfaction with the court's judgment, declaring that the legal battle was over and reaffirming that he remained the duly recognised ADC candidate for the senatorial district.
According to Onyema, the controversy arose from the party's initial use of Ani as a placeholder pending the emergence of its substantive candidate. He insisted that Ani neither purchased the party's senatorial nomination form nor made any payment for it. The ADC had formally withdrawn Ani's placeholder status through a letter dated September 22, 2026, and subsequently communicated her withdrawal and Onyema's replacement to INEC.
Onyema further explained that the party submitted another memorandum to INEC on October 23, requesting that his name be uploaded as its candidate. He said the ADC, in its defence before the court, argued that Ani did not purchase the nomination form, while the alleged N2.5 million receipt she relied upon was not reflected in the party's financial records.
The party also presented evidence that Ani had personally withdrawn from the arrangement through a handwritten letter supported by an affidavit. Onyema alleged that the litigation was an attempt by opposition elements to frustrate his candidacy, adding that the prolonged legal dispute had delayed the party's campaign activities. However, he chose to allow the court to determine the matter because of his belief in the rule of law.
The Enugu State ADC Chairman, Major General Chris Eze, reaffirmed the party's total support for Onyema, describing his emergence as a major gain for the party. Eze described Onyema as a valuable addition to the party, noting that the legal challenge against his candidacy reflected the political weight and influence he brought to the ADC.
The ADC had also sought sanctions against the plaintiff and her legal representatives under Section 83(6) of the Electoral Act, which provides for penalties in circumstances involving frivolous election-related litigation. With the court ruling in his favour, Onyema is set to represent the ADC in the Enugu West Senatorial District in the 2027 general election.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Enugu dismissed a suit challenging Onyema's candidacy, paving the way for him to represent the ADC in the 2027 general election.
