The Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State has upheld the Labour Party (LP) primary of June 9 which produced Mr Splendour Oko-Eze as the gubernatorial candidate of the party in Ebonyi.
The court also nullified the primary held on Tuesday, August 2 that produced Edward Nkwegu as another governorship candidate of the party in the state, saying it was null and void.
Justice Fatun Riman, in his judgement, said the party primary held earlier in June was still authentic as the candidate, Mr Splendour Oko-Eze has not withdrawn from the race.
Ritman said that another candidate could not emerge in a political party until a candidate, who was validly nominated, has not withdrawn.
The Counsel to Splendour, Mr Michael Odoh commended the judgement and noted that his client has not withdrawn from the race.
According to Odoh, the court has said it and my client remains the authentic Candidate of the party in Ebonyi as he has not withdrawn.
“My client is the gubernatorial candidate of LP and he has not withdrawn. And not until he withdrew, no other candidate can emerge as a candidate in that party.
“The court had upheld the primary that was conducted earlier in June in favour of Splendour and set aside the purported second primary held yesterday, August. 2.
“People should abide by the electoral act and party guidelines. If you want to take over from a candidature of a political party, where a candidature was valid nominated and the name of the person already forwarded to INEC; the person has to withdraw his candidature in writing, then after that withdrawal, that is when another person can take over.
“My client, Splendour, remains the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in the state and no other person,” Odoh explained.
Mr. Oko-Eze in his reaction to the judgement described it as victory for the youths and against money bags and commended the judiciary for standing up to its responsibilities.
He said that with the victory, the coast is now clear for him to emerge victorious at the 2023 general election adding that the State will witness massive industralisation and transformation.
