RIVERS ELECTIONS: Amaechi-sponsored AAC loses in court

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit by the African Action Congress (AAC) in the Rivers State governorship election.

The governorship Candidate of the party, Engr Biokpomabo Festus Awara, had in a suit marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/303/2019, challenged the propriety of handling of the last governorship and State Assembly elections in Rivers State, particularly as it relates to its announcement of the results, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is without a candidate in the elections in the state, and has thrown its weight behind the AAC candidate.

Read also: RIVERS: Results collation resumes 3 weeks after election

Minister of Transportation, who doubles as the party leader in the state had asked APC supporters to vote AAC in the election.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment on Tuesday said since the case was election-related, it was appropriate for the plaintiffs to take their case before an election tribunal.

Justice Ekwo declined jurisdiction and dismissed the case.

The plaintiff, had in their suit, challenged the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resume the announcement of the results of the March 9, 2019 governorship and House of Assembly Elections in the State.

They had contended that the credibility of the election had been impugned by violence, disruption and appointment of PDP’s members by INEC in the conduct of the election, therefore, the electoral body ought to conduct a fresh election.

INEC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are respondents in the suit.

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