Tension continues to rise within the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress over the unresolved issue of the N3 million nomination fees imposed on local government chairmanship aspirants during the controversial local government elections held on September 21, 2024.
The APC, led by state chairman Dr. Macdonald Ebere, had collected N3 million from each of its chairmanship aspirants, a move that sparked significant controversy.
It was later agreed, in the interest of party unity, that these fees would be refunded. This agreement was reportedly endorsed by the state governor, though the refund process has been marred by complications, according to Daily Post.
Evans Anozie, an APC chairmanship aspirant from Owerri Municipal, has taken legal action, seeking redress in a high court in Owerri. Anozie is demanding N50 million in special, general, and exemplary damages.
According to the legal claims filed by Anozie’s lawyers, led by Professor Francis Dike SAN, Anozie paid the N3 million nomination fee to contest for the chairmanship seat.
However, the election was canceled by the second defendant, Macdonald Ebere, who insisted that his nominated caretaker chairman should be the only candidate. This decision, Anozie’s lawyers argue, created tension between him and Ebere, who allegedly vowed to take action against Anozie.
The legal team also claims that an agreement was made to refund the fees to all aspirants, a decision publicly backed by the governor to maintain party harmony.
Following this, Anozie requested the refund and was issued a cheque for the N3 million, drawn from the APC’s account with UBA PLC. The cheque was signed by Ebere and two others.
Despite presenting the cheque on two occasions, October 16 and 18, 2024, Anozie’s cheque was returned unpaid on both occasions. According to Anozie’s lawyers, inquiries revealed that the APC’s account had sufficient funds at the time, but the cheque was nonetheless countermanded by Ebere. There was no explanation on the cheque for the non-payment.
Anozie’s legal team claims that the delays in processing the refund have caused him significant financial loss and frustration. They also allege that Ebere has shown no intention of honouring the payment, further exacerbating the situation.
At the upcoming court hearing, Anozie’s legal representatives plan to argue that Ebere’s actions constitute impunity and that the non-payment warrants the awarding of exemplary damages. They assert that when a person acts with disregard for the consequences, as they believe they will face little or no penalty, the court should impose such damages as a deterrent.
