A political pressure group within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Ondo APC Arise Movement, has expressed concern over the recent court order which ruled against the conduct of the party’s congress in the state, stressing that such judicial interventions contravene the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

According to the group, in a statement issued by its chairman, Yemi Patrick Adetoyinbo, and secretary, Olatubosun Odele, the group emphasised that political actors should endeavour to operate strictly within the framework of the law and as well respect statutory guidelines governing the internal affairs of political parties.

The group anchored its argument on Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act, which it stated: “No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party,” barring specific exceptions clearly outlined in the legislation.

According to the statement, the law also stipulates that where such an action is brought contrary to the provision, courts should not grant interim or interlocutory injunctions but rather suspend ruling until the final judgement stage while granting accelerated hearing on the matter.

The group further referenced Section 83(6) of the Act, which prescribes penalties including a minimum cost of N10 million each against the counsel and the plaintiff where a suit is found to have been filed in violation of the provision.

It also pointed to Section 83(3) of the law, which empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to direct enquiries on party matters to appropriate officials of the political party at the national, state, local government or ward levels.

The group stated that “Section 83 (6) Where such action is brought in negation of this provision:- (a) No interim or interlocutory injunction shall be entertained by the court, but the court shall suspend its ruling and deliver it at the stage of final judgement and shall give accelerated hearing to the matter.

“It is to be noted that Section 83(3) of the Act provides: The Commission may direct its enquiry under Subsection (2) to the Chairman or Secretary of the Political Party at the National, State, Local Government or Area Council or Ward level, as the case may be.”

They emphasised that it represents what they described as the “silent majority” of party members who are committed to the stability of the ruling party in the state.

The group, however, maintained that APC stakeholders would continue to defend the unity and legal integrity of the party’s processes, saying, “We the silent majority of party members shall arise,” the statement concluded.