By TechnocratMedia
A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept and publish the name of Godswill Akpabio as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akwa-Ibom north-west.
The former minister of Niger Delta was in APC’s primary election for the presidential ticket but later dropped for Ahmed Bola Tinubu but came thereafter, to be running for senate.
Though, prior to the presidential primaries of the APC, a former deputy inspector-general of police (DIG), Ekperikpe Ekpo, had won the primary election for the senatorial ticket for Akwa-Ibom north-west but was later cancelled over irregularities.
A rerun was said to have been conducted on June 8 which allegedly produced Mr Apkabio as the winner.
But INEC had insisted that the Commission didn’t observe and monitor the rerun allegedly conducted by the APC in Akwa-Ibom.
The Commission said it monitored the first primary election where Mr Ekpo emerged as the candidate of the party.
Not satisfied by INEC’s position, Mr Akpabio and his party approached the court to seek redress.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Emeka Nwite, the judge held that INEC contravened the law when it refused to accept and publish Akpabio’s name, despite the fact that the APC had listed him as its candidate.
“I hereby declared that the defendant (INEC) publish the name of the 2nd plaintiff (Akpabio as the authentic candidate,” the judge ordered.
Excellent journalism is expensive. It is only the same that can help to build our society and country to entrench good governance, and development and ensure justice for all.
We need your support for investigative findings and special reports to demand accountable and transparent government. DONATE today to help us stay relevant to serve your quest for accurate and authentic stories.
DONATE TO 0450702364, naira OR 0657626454, USD – GTBANK
TECHNOCRAT INNOVATIONS PLUS LTD
