Ado Local Government Chairman Is Now Much More Focused On The Job With A Promise To Discharge His Duties With Less Distraction
By Innocent Igelle | Pan Afric Reporters
The Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government, Engr. Sunny Oche, has declared that he is now more energetic, determined, and focused on the discharge of his duties, following his victory in a legal matter that had dragged for over seven years.
The criminal case of forgery instituted against him by Hon. Michael Unogwu in 2018 was finally resolved on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, in his favour. With this development, Engr. Oche said he has been vindicated and is now fully focused on serving the people of Ado Local Government with renewed vigour and commitment.
He recalled that after securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency during the party primaries in 2018, Hon. Michael Unogwu allegedly manipulated the process to have his own name inserted in the list as the rightful candidate. Dissatisfied with this irregularity, Engr. Oche filed a protest and successfully reclaimed his candidacy after presenting credible evidence to support his claim.
However, Hon. Unogwu later wrote another letter insisting on a name change, and again succeeded in replacing Engr. Oche’s name before the general elections. Unfortunately, Hon. Unogwu went on to lose the election to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate due to low performance at the polls.
In 2022, when Engr. Oche rejoined the political contest, Hon. Unogwu abstained but instead filed a forgery petition against him to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 3, Abuja, alleging that Engr. Oche had forged his signature in 2018 to secure the earlier name change. After reviewing the case, the AIG dismissed the petition, describing it as lacking in merit and politically motivated.
Dissatisfied with the recurring allegations, Engr. Oche petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to have the matter referred to a court of competent jurisdiction to determine the truth of the case. The IGP obliged, and the matter was subsequently charged to the Dutse Magistrate Court, Apo District, Abuja, following the conclusion of a preliminary police investigation.
During the proceedings before Chief Magistrate Abdullahi Mohammed Illelah, Hon. Unogwu could not substantiate his allegations when cross-examined. The court found that the accusations were baseless, unproven, and politically motivated, describing them as an attempt to tarnish the image and integrity of the Ado Council Chairman.
In his reaction to the judgment, Engr. Oche expressed immense gratitude to God Almighty, the judiciary, and the people of Ado Local Government for standing by him through the difficult period.
“For over seven years, I faced intense legal and political distractions, but today, I thank God that the truth has prevailed. I have never been involved in any criminal act, and my vindication has further strengthened my resolve to serve my people with integrity, focus, and dedication,” he said.
He added that the judgment has finally laid to rest every effort aimed at blackmailing him or distracting him from his responsibilities, affirming that justice and truth have triumphed over falsehoods.
Engr. Oche also extended heartfelt appreciation to his supporters, family, political associates, and the judiciary, for their steadfastness and faith in his innocence. He assured them that he would now be more focused and result-driven in delivering quality governance to the people of Ado.
“This victory is not just personal; it is a victory for truth, justice, and democracy. I am grateful to my supporters who never wavered in their confidence in me. Going forward, I will rededicate myself to the service of Ado Local Government and to the ideals of good governance,” he affirmed.
Engr. Oche also thanked the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Chief Benjamin Omale, and all party stakeholders across the three tiers of government for their support and encouragement throughout the process.
He concluded by reiterating his unwavering loyalty to the party, the government, and the people, promising to intensify developmental initiatives that will continue to uplift Ado Local Government and contribute to the overall progress of Benue State.
