Kogi: Court to rule on Akpoti’s exclusion suit Oct 22

The Federal High Court, Abuja, Wednesday, fixed October 22 for ruling on an application filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Natasha Akpoti.

Akpoti is challenging her exclusion from the November 16 governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akpoti was allegedly deemed disqualified by INEC because her running mate Mohammed Yakubu, did not meet the constitutionally specified 35 years to contest in the November 16 election.

Akpoti’s counsel, Mr Ola Olanipekun, when the matter was called prayed the court to grant an order directing INEC to recognise her as the SDP candidate.

The candidate equally prayed for an order restraining INEC from further subverting the interest of the candidate.

But INEC counsel, Mr Magnus Onuoha, told the court that the SDP never had a valid candidate in the first instance and therefore ought not to have approach the court for a nonexistence relief.

He said this was because the party submitted its list of candidates on Sept. 9, which was the last day of submission, arguing, therefore, that Akpoti had no legal right.

The judge, Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo, adjourned the matter till Oct. 22 for ruling on the matter. (NAN)

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