Court Upholds Ekumankama as APC Candidate for 2027

On September 15, 2026, a Federal High Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, dismissed a suit filed by Hon Iduma Igariwey against Joseph Ekumankama, the former Minister of State for Health, regarding his candidacy as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency in the upcoming 2027 general election. The suit sought to invalidate Ekumankama’s nomination and compel the APC to recognize Igariwey as its duly nominated candidate.

The court, presided over by Justice Hilary Oshomah, found no merit in Igariwey's claims and dismissed the suit, thereby upholding Ekumankama's position as the party's candidate. Following the judgment, Ekumankama's counsel, Roy Umahi Nwaeze, SAN, described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, emphasizing the judiciary's role in ensuring justice.