The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared Barrister Ghani Arobo as the valid candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency House of Representatives by-election, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to upload his name within 48 hours.
In its judgment delivered on Wednesday, the court held that Arobo validly emerged from the APC primary election, ruling that the party's decision to substitute his name with that of another aspirant was unlawful and inconsistent with the outcome of the exercise.
The court further faulted the APC's handling of the nomination process, holding that the party failed to make the lawful return from the primary election. It also described the evidence presented by the party as inconsistent, while affirming that the testimonies and evidence presented by Arobo and INEC, which monitored the primary, were credible and convincing.
The trial judge consequently ordered the electoral commission to remove the name of the substituted candidate from its portal and replace it with that of Arobo within 48 hours in line with the court's decision.
Reacting to the judgment, Arobo described the verdict as a victory for justice, internal party democracy and the rule of law, saying it reflected the wishes of APC members who participated in the primary election.
He expressed appreciation to the judiciary for what he described as a fair hearing and pledged to continue his campaign peacefully while promoting unity and development across the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.
Arobo also urged INEC to comply promptly with the court's directive to avoid any disruption to the electoral timetable.
He further appealed to the APC, its members and other political stakeholders to respect the judgment and ensure a peaceful electoral process devoid of actions capable of creating unnecessary tension.
0 Comments