The special adviser to Abia Governor-elect, Alex Otti, on media and publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, has called the ruling of the Federal High Court in Kano nullifying Otti’s candidacy and that of other Labour Party candidates baseless and kangaroo. Speaking in Umuahia, Ekeoma described the judgment as unfounded and misleading.
Ekeoma told reporters at Alex Otti’s campaign office that the Kano court ruling stated that “the candidates that participated in the election in Abia State are not parties to the suit before the court, and as such, the court lacks the jurisdiction to make an order for the issuance of Certificate of Return to them,” as per clause 9 of the judgment.
He emphasized that the case brought before Kano Federal Court was a pre-election matter, according to Section 285 (14) (a) of the Electoral Act. He advised supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop their ongoing celebrations over the ruling, insisting that Otti’s election remained valid. He further assured the Labour Party supporters and Abians that nothing would stop the swearing-in of Otti on May 29th.
The news of Otti’s candidacy caused anxiety among Labour Party supporters in Abia State. Meanwhile, PDP supporters celebrate joyfully, hoping to reclaim the Governor’s seat in the state.
