Court orders gov Aiyedatiwa, others to file defence

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Lucky Aiyedatiwa Governor of Ondo State and other parties involved to submit their defence in a lawsuit brought forth by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.

The suit seeks to nullify the 20th April All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in the state.

Inyang Ekwo, the Presiding Judge, issued the directive amist a request from APC’s counsel, Tayo Oyetibo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who informed the court of the party’s correspondence to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, seeking a transfer of the case to the Akure division.

The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/588/2024, was filed by Senator Ibrahim against APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Senator Ibrahim, an aspirant in the primaries and serving senator representing Ondo South, challenges the legitimacy of Governor Aiyedatiwa as the APC’s candidate.

He contends that the party failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the regulations and guidelines in conducting the primary election. Senator Ibrahim seeks a declaration that Governor Aiyedatiwa is not the valid APC candidate and requests an injunction restraining him from presenting himself as such in the November governorship election.

Additionally, Senator Ibrahim demands that INEC delist APC and Governor Aiyedatiwa from the list of political parties and candidates for the election unless a fresh primary is conducted and a candidate lawfully nominated.

During the hearing, Senator Ibrahim’s lawyer, Chris Uche, SAN, informed the court of received memoranda of conditional appearance from APC and INEC but noted the absence of such from Governor Aiyedatiwa. However, none of the defendants had filed a defence in the suit.

While acknowledging receipt of the memoranda, the defendants’ counsels noted their intention to respond within the specific time frame. They also confirmed the letter requesting the transfer of the case to the Akure division.

Judge Ekwo stressed the need for all parties to comply to the filing deadlines and scheduled the next mention of the suit for 29th May. The court’s focus remains on the case before it, regardless of external correspondence, reinforcing the significance of due process and procedural fairness in legal proceedings.

(NAN)