Some leaders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State have raised concerns over the decision of former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah to contest a Senate seat in the next general election. They argue that her recent involvement in an alleged N2.5 billion fraud case and unresolved inconsistencies in her academic records constitute a red flag for the party.
Background of the Fraud Case
In a judgment delivered on March 26, Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) convicted Oduah's two firms – Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore and Marine Limited – following a plea bargain agreement. The court ordered the winding up of the companies and the forfeiture of N1.2 billion paid as restitution, along with N780 million recovered during investigations, to the Federal Government.
Petition to Governor Soludo
Under the banner of Concerned Anambra North Stakeholders (CANS), the APGA leaders sent a petition to Governor Charles Soludo, who is also the national leader of APGA. The petition, dated May 4 and signed by Emmanuel Uduaka and Sylvester Nnalue, urges Soludo to prevent Oduah from participating in the party's upcoming primary election for the Anambra North Senatorial District.
CANS stated that its position is based on two key issues. First, Oduah allegedly made false statements in her submissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under oath for the 2015, 2019, and 2023 general elections, violating sections 66(1)(i) and 315(5)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution. Second, she entered into a plea bargain with the Federal Government in a N2.5 billion fraud case, forfeiting N1.98 billion.
Academic Record Discrepancies
The group claimed that Oduah has consistently made inconsistent claims about her academic records, qualifications, and credentials since 2015. They pointed to discrepancies in her INEC Forms C.F.001/Affidavit, which she submitted under oath. CANS demanded that Oduah be subjected to strict documentary proof of her primary school attendance and certificate, asserting that she never wrote or passed any primary school leaving examination.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
Regarding the fraud case, CANS noted that Oduah was charged in October 2025 for an offense involving over N2 billion. She opted for a plea bargain, agreeing to return stolen money and undertaking not to engage in such acts again. The group argued that her involvement in a criminal proceeding of this magnitude, coupled with the plea bargain and restitution, casts a serious shadow on her integrity. They cited Section 66(1)(c) of the Constitution, which forbids individuals convicted of such offenses from contesting elections.
CANS emphasized that these factors are inconsistent with the constitutional and moral standards required of candidates and would expose the party to civil suits challenging Oduah's eligibility. They urged Soludo to stop her candidacy before it harms the party.
The petition was accompanied by certified true copies of court documents, election tribunal proceedings, and INEC forms allegedly completed by Oduah.
