The faction of Lamidi Apapa has suffered a setback in the move to stop the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Athan Achonu from participating in Saturday’s election in Imo State.
The Federal High Court in Abuja turned down the request of the faction of the LP to kick out the candidate from the gubernatorial poll.
The presiding Judge, Inyang Achonu disagreed with an ex-parte application argued by counsel to the faction, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed.
Justice Ekwo rather than granting the request ordered Apapa and his group members to put the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on notice of the existence of the suit to enable it to put up its defence.
The faction had in the ex-parte application marked FCH/ABJ/CS/1357/2023, applied for an order of interim injunction restraining INEC from recognising or according recognition to any other person laying claim to the gubernatorial ticket of the party in Imo State slated for November 11 other than Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph who emerged from Apapa led primary election of April 16, 2023.
The group also sought an order of mandatory injunction compelling INEC to recognise and upload the name of Ukaegbu Joseph as the authentic gubernatorial and flagbearer of the party in Imo State.
The faction further demanded a mandatory order against INEC that the name of Lamidi Apapa be uploaded as the national chairman of the party as well as that of Lawal Saleh as national secretary.
Justice Ekwo, however, after listening to the motion as argued by the lawyer said he would not grant such a request and ordered the faction to turn the ex-parte motion into a motion on notice and serve the same on INEC being the sole defendant in the suit.
The Judge said, “I am not granting you this application today and you have to bring INEC to Court to come and explain its own side in this matter.”
The Judge fixed further mention in the matter till November 10 to enable Apapa’s faction to present its grievances and INEC to respond with its defence.