A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted an application by the
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) seeking to be joined in a suit
against Anambra Gov-elect, Willie Obiano.
As reported, the plaintiffs, Ugochukwu Ikegwuonu and Kenneth Moneke,
had instituted the suit alleging that Obiano registered twice as a
voter prior to his election.
Their counsel, Mr Joe Gadzama, SAN, had in an originating summons,
prayed the court to declare Obiano’s election null and void, and
prosecute him for double registration.
Gadzama argued that by the double registration, Obiano contravened the
Electoral Act and was unqualified to contest, ab initio.
He contended that the voter’s card which the governor-elect tendered
before his party for the election was different from the one he
submitted to INEC.
Initially joined in the suit were Obiano as the first defendant and
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as second
defendant.
At the resumed sitting on Monday, APGA’s counsel, Mr Pius Ikwueto,
moved an application seeking for a leave of the court to join the
party in the suit.
Gadzama did not oppose the application, saying that “the party seeking
to be joined is the political platform of the first defendant”.
Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and INEC counsel, Mrs Joan
Arabs, did not oppose the application as well.
Ruling, Justice Ahmed Mohammed granted APGA’s prayers and ordered the
plaintiff’s counsel to serve the party’s counsel the originating
summons within 48 hours.
The judge also ordered the counsel to the defendants to serve and file
their replies to the plaintiff counsel’s amended process within 14
days of the ruling.
He adjourned the case to April 16 for definite hearing.
