x

Supreme Court Restores Akpabio As APC’s Senatorial Candidate For A’Ibom North

The Supreme Court has restored former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godwin Akpabio as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akwa Ibom North Senatorial District.

The Court of Appeal judgment delivered on November 14, 2022, which voided his candidacy was overturned.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, the apex court upheld the ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja which in September last year granted a verdict in favour of the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

Justice Saulawa after reviewing the arguments canvassed by Akpabio said that his appeal was meritorious and allowed.

In a lead judgment, Justice Saulawa held that the “appeal succeeds on merit and is allowed.”

The judgment was on an appeal filed by Akpabio challenging the judgment of the Court of Appeal Abuja, which set aside his victory at the Federal High Court Abuja.

In arriving at the decision, the Supreme Court in a unanimous judgment said each of the 10 issues formulated by the appellant was resolved in his favour, and against the respondent.

The Supreme Court held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case, adding that whatever decision arrived at by the court amounted to nullity.

It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal, Abuja had on November 14, 2022, set aside the judgment of Federal High Court Abuja, removing Akpabio as the APC candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.

A three-member panel of Justices led by Justice Danlami Senchi held that Akpabio failed to file a proof of arguments within the time provided by the rules.

The panel further ruled that Akpabio, having contested the presidential primary of the APC, could not participate in the valid primary of the party held on May 27 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which produced Udom Ekpoudom as a candidate.

But Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court Abuja had on September 22, 2022, ordered the INEC to reinstate Akpabio as APC’s candidate, being the candidate nominated by the party in the second primary of June 9.

The trial court had directed INEC to accept the former Minister of Niger Delta as the APC flagbearer.

Justice Nwite also ordered INEC to publish Akpabio’s name as APC senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North/West senatorial district in 2023, stating that the Commission acted illegally by refusing to accept and publish the former governor’s name when it was submitted to it by the APC as its candidate.

Justice Nwite added that Akpabio was validly nominated as the Akwa Ibom North/West Senatorial District candidate of the APC from the primary conducted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on June 9, 2022.

The trial Judge faulted INEC for electing to monitor the May 27 primary conducted by an illegal faction of the party led by Augustine Ekanem as against the June 9 primary conducted by the APC NWC.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Governing Council, VC Commended as MOAUM Holds 32nd Matriculation

Ahead of the 32nd Matriculation ceremony of the Rev....

AG Hails Gov Sule’s Global Recognition at Africa Leadership Summit in London

Ask ChatGPT By Abel Zwanke, Lafia The Accountant General of Nasarawa...

Nigerian Leaders Urged to Uphold Democratic Principles, Show Sincerity of Purpose

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi Nigerian leaders have been urged to...

Northern Nigeria’s Challenges Are Complex, Deep-Rooted – Bafarawa

…Harps on Peace, Unity, Development in the NorthBy Achadu...

2027: Plateau Youth Leader Rallies Support for President Tinubu’s Re-election

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos Shedrack Mainasara, a youth mobilizer in...

Mangu Mob Attack: 20 Arraigned Over Killing of 12 in Plateau

By Israel Adamu, Jos The Plateau State Police Command on...

Sokoto Govt, AGILE Sensitize on Cash Transfer to Support Girls’ Education

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto State Ministry for Basic...

Bayelsa Sports Director Urges Youths to Shun Crime, Embrace Sports

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa The Director of Sports, Bayelsa State...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img