…Association cites court records and pending appeal, says Muhammed and Apebo remain recognized President and Secretary General
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has called on its members and the general public to disregard recent statements and claims to the leadership of the Association by certain individuals, stating that such claims are not supported by law, the Association’s Constitution, or existing court records.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the ASCSN Media and Publicity Committee, the Association referenced the Public Notice published in The Nation newspaper on Monday, July 20, 2026. According to the Association, the notice provided accurate information on the status of the current leadership of ASCSN and was accompanied by annexures containing copies of relevant and verifiable court documents.
The Association stated that the issues raised in the said public notice were not controverted by the individuals making alternative claims.
On the purported judgment being referenced, ASCSN stated that the National Industrial Court judgment in question is not enforceable at this time. The Association further stated that the court declined to issue a writ of possession to the individual seeking to assume office as National President of the Association.
The Association also disclosed that a criminal charge filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria is currently pending before a competent court. The charge relates to allegations of impersonation of the offices of the National President and Secretary General of ASCSN.
“Based on our Constitution and subsisting legal processes, Comrade Shehu Muhammed remains the National President and Comrade Joshua Apebo remains the Secretary General of ASCSN.”
— ASCSN Media and Publicity Committee
ASCSN noted that if the individuals making the claims were the legitimate holders of those offices, they would not be the ones facing prosecution in that matter.
On the legal process, the Association explained that an appeal in respect of the leadership dispute is currently pending before the Court of Appeal. According to ASCSN, the pendency of the appeal was the reason cited by the lower court when it declined to grant the request for the issuance of a writ of possession.
The Association described ASCSN as an institution founded on the collective interest of members and emphasized that no individual or group can override the provisions of the Constitution or the decisions of competent courts.
The Association urged all members across the country to remain calm, law-abiding and committed to their duties. It also called on members to avoid actions or statements that could undermine the unity, stability and integrity of the Association.
ASCSN reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of senior civil servants in Nigeria and to upholding the principles of due process, the rule of law, and internal democracy within the Association.
The Association assured members that further updates on the matter will be communicated through official channels as developments unfold.
