Edet Ikotidem
The Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Senator Ita Enang that sought to invalidate the primary that produced Akanimo Udofia, confirming Udofia as the legitimate All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor in Akwa Ibom State.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s ruling upheld the Court of Appeal Abuja’s conclusion that the Federal High Court in Uyo lacked jurisdiction when it declared the APC primary
The primary that resulted in Udofia being chosen as the party’s nominee was upheld by the appellate court.
Enang had asked the court to recognize him as the APC’s legitimate candidate for governor on the grounds that Udofia had not joined the party as of May 26, 2022, when the governorship primary was held.
Supreme Court Affirms Udofia APC Gov Candidate
His application was prompted by the Federal High Court in Uyo’s decision to annul Udofia’s election as the APC candidate for governor of the state on November 14, 2022.
Udofia filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal in Abuja because he was unhappy with the verdict.
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He was reinstated as the APC candidate by the appellate court on January 19, which overturned the lower court’s decision.
The appellate court determined that, in violation of Sections 97 and 98 of the Sheriffs Act, the Federal High Court in Uyo improperly assumed jurisdiction to hear the case.
Enang approached the Supreme Court to contest the ruling after being dissatisfied with the appellate court’s decision.
The trial court lacked jurisdiction to challenge the legality of the waiver granted to Udofia to participate in the primaries because it was a party-internal matter, according to the apex court, which dismissed Enang’s lawsuit.
