Edo Guber: Appeal Court Dismisses Suit Seeking to Disqualify Akpata

The Court of Appeal on Wednesday dismissed a suit aimed at disqualifying victory for Olumide Akpata as the Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming Edo State election, scheduled for September 21, 2024. The suit was filed by Kenneth Imasuangbon, an aggrieved governorship aspirant within the party.

Justice Okon Abang, delivering the court’s ruling, stated that Imasuangbon’s case lacked sufficient evidence to support the claims made against Akpata. The court noted that Imasuangbon did not follow the internal conflict resolution processes of the Labour Party before bringing the case to court, making the suit premature and legally unsustainable.

The unanimous ruling by the three-member panel emphasized that Imasuangbon failed to provide the disputed results from the Labour Party’s primary election held on February 23, where he claimed victory. Additionally, Justice Abang highlighted that Imasuangbon’s claim of not receiving official results could not be upheld, as his agent had been present at the primary election.

Olumide Akpata Wins LP Edo State Governorship Primary

Further weakening his case, Imasuangbon did not call any witnesses or delegates to corroborate his claims of winning the election. The court also ruled that his allegation regarding Akpata’s failure to sign an Indemnity Form was statute-barred, removing jurisdiction from the court on that matter.

The Appeal Court upheld the earlier decision by the Federal High Court in Benin, where Justice Babatunde Quadiri had also dismissed the suit, citing a lack of merit. Imasuangbon had sought Akpata’s disqualification, arguing that he should be declared the rightful candidate, having placed second in the primary election.

This ruling solidifies Akpata’s position as the Labour Party’s candidate in the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial race.

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