Labour Party Rejects Court of Appeal Verdict Removing Senator Nwokocha

Abia Labour Party Rejects Court of Appeal Verdict, Citing Constitutional Implications

In a recent development, the Abia State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed its strong rejection of a Court of Appeal judgment that removed Darlington Nwokocha from his position as the senator representing Abia Central. The party’s stance is grounded in its belief that the litigation was based on Section 77 of the Constitution, which, according to them, falls outside the jurisdiction of any court.

The Chairman of the Abia State LP, Ceekay Igara, conveyed this message to the public at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, during a press conference held on a Sunday evening following the court’s decision.

Igara expressed the party’s disappointment with the court’s ruling, emphasizing that the judiciary is traditionally regarded as the last resort for the common man seeking justice. He highlighted the existence of numerous judgments from the Supreme Court that prohibit adjudication on issues related to the internal affairs of political parties.

The LP chairman went on to describe the Labor Party’s deep concern regarding the recent judgment from the Court of Appeal. The judiciary, as one of the cornerstones of democratic institutions, is entrusted with the vital role of dispensing justice impartially and without bias.

The party found the judgment particularly shocking and raised concerns about what they termed “the rascality of the judiciary.” The verdict in question overturned the decision of the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, which had dismissed the election of Amobi Ogah, the member representing Isikwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State.

The key point of contention in the court’s decision revolved around Section 77 of the Constitution. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had initially declared Darlington Nwokocha as the victor in the election, garnering a total of 92,116 votes. However, Augustine Akobundu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came in second with 41,477 votes and subsequently challenged the outcome in court.

This development underscores the complexity of legal proceedings surrounding elections and the importance of a clear understanding of constitutional provisions. The Abia Labour Party’s strong objections serve as a reminder of the significance of adhering to constitutional principles and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in democratic processes.

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