Courts Annuls Nwosu, Okorocha Son-In-Law’s Imo Governorship Candidacy

The Federal High Court in Abuja has on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to nullify the candidacy of Uche Nwosu in the last governorship election held in the state.

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the verdict on Nwosu’s candidacy on the grounds of double nomination by two political parties in All Progressives Congress and the Action Alliance which is in violation of section 37 of the Electoral Act.

This is following the pursuits of Nwosu, a son-in-law to Rochas Okoroha, former Imo State Governor at the State’s Governorship Election petition tribunal. Nwosu, who fronted his party to be Action Alliance was poised to challenge the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, in the March 11, 2019 poll.

The Justice of the court in his verdict upheld the case brought forward by the plaintiffs, the Action People’s Party and its National Chairman who alleged that Nwosu had been nominated by two parties – APC and AA.

The justice declared that his governorship nomination by AA was null and void having been made at the pendency of similar nomination of the 2nd defendant [Nwosu] by the All Progressives Congress for the same position.

He declared that Nwosu had not received a valid nomination by AA at the Imo State Governorship election.

He further  noted that Nwosu played a part in APC primaries and was subsequently nominated.

He obtained a directive from court on October 9, 2018, recognizing him as APC candidate and was also offered an AA ticket.

“There is no controversy that, on October 6, 2018, the 2nd defendant (Nwosu) had himself nominated as the governorship candidate of the APC.

Justice Ekwo’s order read:

“It is illegal in the eyes of the law. No one is allowed to benefit from an illegal act.

“The 2nd defendant allowed himself to be nominated by the APC and the 3rd defendant (AA).”

In addition, it read “It is hereby declared that the nomination of the 2nd defendant by the All Progressives Congress and Action Alliance, the 3rd defendant, is invalid, null and void and constitute a violation of section 37 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

“An order of this honourable court is hereby made directing the 1st defendant (INEC) to remove the name of the 2nd defendant (Nwosu) as the governorship of the 3rd defendant (AA) in the 2019 Imo State governorship election for multiple nomination in violation of the provision of section 37 of the Electoral Act 2018 (as amended).

“An order of this honourable court is hereby made restraining the 1st defendant (INEC) from recognising the 2nd defendant (Nwosu) as the governorship of the 3rd defendant (AA) and/or any other political party for the 2019 Imo State governorship election

“An order of this honourable court is hereby made restraining the 1st defendant (INEC) from giving value to any act done in pursuance of the 2nd defendant purported candidature of the 3rd defendant (AA) and/or any other political party in the 2019 Imo State governorship election.”

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