By Mercy Aikoye
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Ogah, has accused the Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, of forging election results in the 2023 National Assembly elections. Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, made the allegations in a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dated April 14, 2025.
The petition, titled “Forgery, Uttering and Tendering of Alleged Forged Polling Unit Result Sheets Arising Out Of The 2023 General Elections In Respect Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency Of Abia State By Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha,” claims that Onyejeocha presented fake polling unit results during the election tribunal proceedings.
According to Ogah, he was declared the winner of the election and issued a Certificate of Return by INEC. However, Onyejeocha challenged the outcome, seeking to be declared the winner. During the tribunal proceedings, Onyejeocha presented a different set of polling unit results, which Ogah claims were forged.
Ogah stated that INEC had issued certified copies of the polling unit results, which he used to defend his victory at the tribunal. However, Onyejeocha’s results were different from the authentic ones issued by INEC. Relevant staff from INEC’s Umuahia office and ICT unit in Abuja reportedly denied knowledge of the results presented by Onyejeocha.
The petition alleges that Onyejeocha tendered fake results for 63 polling units, which were entirely different from the authentic results issued by INEC. Ogah claims that this act constitutes forgery and uttering of false documents.
Ogah has called on INEC to investigate the matter and prosecute Onyejeocha and her accomplices. He has pledged to make available the authentic results and the forged ones, as well as the certified copy of the record of proceedings and judgments of the tribunal and Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal reportedly gave credence to Ogah’s position, affirming that the results presented by Onyejeocha were not authentic INEC polling unit results. Ogah has warned that he will escalate the matter to the court of public opinion and seek an order of mandamus against INEC if they fail to take action.
Ogah’s petition highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. If proven true, the allegations against Onyejeocha would have serious implications for her tenure as Minister of State for Labour.
The outcome of INEC’s investigation and potential prosecution will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.
