The Supreme Court on 27th January, 2012 has struck out the appeal lodged by Lady Margery Okadigbo challenging the election and return of Prince John Emeka as the candidate of PDP and winner of the April Senate election in Anambra North Senatorial Zone. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court struck out the suit and awarded cost of N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) against Lady Okadigbo. The Court upheld the decision of both the Court of Appeal Enugu Division and the Tribunal affirming that Prince John Emeka indeed won the Senate seat of Anambra North Senatorial Zone on the platform of PDP.
Recall that there has been a long drawn battle on this seat which has made Anambra North to remain without representation since the inauguration of the 7thsession of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
By this pronouncement, Prince John Emeka who won the April Election but was prevented from collecting his Certificate of Return by the leave apply for Order of Mandamus sought by Ex Senator Igbeke which was interpreted to imply an order of Mandamus, can now collect his Certificate. The premise which Ex- Senator Igbeke relied on to apply for Leave was Hon. Justice Kafarati judgment which also has been set aside by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.
