The Federal High Court in Benin City has reserved judgment for July 19, 2024, regarding the legal dispute over the Labour Party governorship primaries held in Edo State on February 23.
The controversy arose when an aspirant in the primaries, Kenneth Imasuangbon, challenged the winner, Olumide Akpata, citing alleged irregularities in the election process and issues with Akpata’s personal documentation.
Justice Babatunde Quadri reserved the ruling after the involved parties submitted their written arguments.
Imasuangbon’s challenge is based on claims that the Labour Party failed to adhere to the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and its guidelines during the primaries. A. Malik, SAN, lead counsel for Imasuangbon, argued that Akpata’s nomination should be dismissed because it violated these critical elements of the electoral process. Malik further urged the court to either declare Imasuangbon the rightful winner or nullify the primary election and order a new one, citing over-voting as a significant issue.
Conversely, Kadiri Asamah, SAN, counsel for the defendant and Akpata’s running mate, contended that Imasuangbon’s arguments were baseless and should not be considered by the court. Asamah asserted that the issue was a pre-primary matter and therefore outside the court’s jurisdiction. He requested the court dismiss the plaintiff’s case, describing it as an abuse of the court process.
After the court session, Imasuangbon addressed the media, expressing confidence in the court’s ability to deliver justice and reaffirming his commitment to improving Edo State.
