Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia Friday, reserved judgment on the suit seeking to stop the candidacy of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship flag bearer, Professor Uche Ikonne.
Ikengaonline had reported that one of the top governorship aspirants, Hon. Sampson Orji, had approached the High Court and asked for the nullification of the May 25 governorship primary, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the three-man ad hoc congress that produced delegates who participated in the primary.
The former Commissioner also alleged that the delegates list used in the primary was doctored to favour Ikonne.
Orji, through his counsel, Rilwan Idris, told the court to either nullify the May 25 primary and conduct a fresh one or declare him the winner, claiming he would have won but for the doctored delegates list.
First and second defendants, PDP and Prof. Ikonne respectively, through their lawyer, A. S Kolawole, in their preliminary objections argued that the plaintiff had no right to challenge the conduct of that primary, alleging that he withdrew from the race.
But in his counter affidavit, the plaintiff through his counsel denied withdrawing from the race and challenged anyone with proof of his letter of withdrawal as required by the Electoral Act to provide same.
Meanwhile, all processes filed by all parties were adopted by the various counsels.
In his ruling, the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Evelyn Anyadike, said that all arguments would be consolidated, noting that time is of essence.
The court subsequently reserved judgment on the suit for a date yet to be communicated to the parties.
Later in interview, counsel to the plaintiff, expressed optimism that his client would get justice. He said his client was in court to challenge the non compliance of the party with its own constitution in the conduct of the three-man delegates congress as well as the primary election itself.
PDP and Ikonne’s lawyer, Mr Kolawole, left the court premises and did not address newsmen.
