A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, has set October 7, 2022 for ruling in the petition instituted by a House of Representatives aspirant for Aninri/ Awgu/ Oji-River Federal Constituency in Enugu State, VinMartin Obiora Ilo against the All Progressives Congress, APC, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and Mrs Claire Ilo
The presiding judge, Justice Buba adjourned the matter which was initially filled at the Abuja Federal High Court but transferred to Enugu Judicial Division to 7th of October, 2022 for judgement after adoption by the parties.
Ilo is challenging the submission of his opponent’s name to INEC as the APC candidate for Aninri/ Awgu/ Oji-River Federal Constituency after he was duly returned as the elected candidate of the party at the primary election on the 27th of May, 2022
In his address counsel to the 3rd defendant Barrister Ezenwa argued that Mr Ilo could not challenge a primary election which he did not participate in, saying that his client Mrs Claire Ilo had won the primary election held on the 28th of May, 2022.
In his reply counsel to the plaintiff Joseph Amadi urged the court to uphold Ilo as the authentic candidate of the APC, as the primary election of 27th May, 2022 which returned him as the elected candidate of the APC for Aninri/Awgu/ Oji-River Federal Constituency followed due process, met the requirements of the constitution and guidelines of the APC for the conduct of primary elections and was backed by a report by INEC who monitored the election.
He posited that the purported primary of 28th May 2022, which the 3rd defendant was relying on was null and void, as it was in contravention and clear conflict with the APC constitution, guidelines for the primary election and the Electoral Act
The counsel to the All progressives Congress, APC Austin Otta in his adoption said the party was neutral as both parties were members of the APC, assuring that the party will abide by the decision of the Court.
Speaking to newsmen after the proceeding, Ottah said the APC relied on documents made available by its officials which the plaintiff is challenging with evidence, saying that the party’s main concern is to have a representative in the coming general elections in 2023.
According to him, the party represented every member of the party and whenever there was a dispute in court the party will respect the stance of the Court.
