Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
A court of appeal in Abuja has affirmed Governor David Umahi as the validly elected candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ebonyi South senatorial election.
Princess Ann Agom-Eze had challenged Umahi’s emergence as the APC candidate for the senatorial district.
On July 22, a federal high court in Abakaliki dismissed a suit filed by Umahi, asking the court to recognise him as the APC candidate for the senatorial district.
The court subsequently ordered that a fresh primary election be conducted within 14 days.
The APC conducted a fresh primary election on July 31, and Umahi was declared the winner.
A few weeks after the loss, Agom-Eze was expelled from the APC over alleged rebellious and unruly behaviour.
Delivering judgment in the appeal filed by the governor, the appeal court held that the high court was wrong when it upheld Agom-Eze’s counter-affidavit.
The appellate court further held that the trial court erred when it failed to uphold the primary election of June 9 where Umahi was nominated as the APC senatorial candidate.
The court averred that the nomination was never challenged by anybody within 14 days as stipulated by section 285(9) of the 1999 constitution.
Meanwhile, Governor Umahi has described his journey to the Nigerian senate as the will of God.
The Governor, in a statement by his Media Aide, Chooks Oko, expressed gratitude to God for the just delivered judgement of the Abuja Court of Appeal which confirmed him as the authentic flag bearer for Ebonyi South Senatorial election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
The Governor also appreciated the citizens of the Senatorial district in particular, and the entire State for their prayers, steadfastness and goodwill which culminated in the victorious judgement.
He also commended the judiciary for their forthrightness and dependability as an impartial arbiter in human conflicts.
“With the judgement, the Court has once again, asserted its inviolate position as the hope of all seekers after justice.”
“The Governor wishes to seize this opportunity to strengthen his vow of offering the best senatorial representation to the good people of the senatorial district even as he pledges to use the position to further advance the cause of Ndigbo and disadvantaged Nigerians.
“He beckons on all the stakeholders of the district to Join hands with him and the All Progressives Congress to deliver other quality candidates in the 2023 general election,” he said.
