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Court Gives Date to Rule on LP’s Candidacy Tussle

Published

5 months ago

Jun 12, 2024.

Court Gives Date to Rule on LP’s Candidacy Tussle

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal High Court in Benin City has slated its judgment for July 19, 2024, concerning the contentious Labour Party (LP) governorship primaries which took place on February 23.

Aspirant Kenneth Imasuangbon has disputed the victory of Olumide Akpata, citing procedural irregularities and issues with Akpata’s documentation.

Justice Babatunde Quadri set the date for judgment after all parties presented their written submissions.

Imasuangbon’s contention rests on claims that the Labour Party failed to comply with the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and its own guidelines during the primary elections.

Lead counsel for Imasuangbon, A. Malik, SAN, argued that Akpata’s candidacy was marred by breaches of the electoral law and party rules.

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Malik further implored the court to dismiss the defense’s submissions, proclaim Imasuangbon the rightful winner, or alternatively, annul the primary results and mandate a new election.

He also pointed out that the primaries were tainted by over-voting, violating the party’s established procedures.

Conversely, Kadiri Asamah, SAN, representing the defendant and Akpata’s running mate, refuted the claims as unfounded and outside the court’s purview.

He asserted that the grievances were pre-primary issues and should be dismissed. Asamah, embracing the arguments in his written addresses, urged the court to reject the plaintiff’s case, characterizing it as an abuse of legal process.

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