PDP FLOORS APC TO REAFFIRM THE CANDIDATURE OF ITS FLAG-BEARERS AS COURT DISMISSES SIUT WITH N6M PENALTY

The Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta has dismissed a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu and Peoples Democratic Party challenging the nomination of Hon. Adekunle Akinlade as the Peoples Democratic Party Deputy Governorship nominee and awarded a total fine of 6 Million Naira as cost in favour of the defendants.

The APC through their counsel Barr. Abeeb Adewale Ajayi filled a suit with number FHC/AB/CS/149/22 claiming that Hon Akinlade was not duly nominated as the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate for 2023 election, the suit contained an affidavit signed by the APC Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye. 

APC prayed the court to compel INEC to disqualify PDP from presenting a candidate for the 2023 gubernatorial elections on the ground that Hon. Akinlade contested the APC primary before moving to the PDP. 

However, the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta presided over by Justice Joyce Obehi Malik after hearing the arguments of the counsels to the defendants led by Chief Mike Ozakhome, SAN and Prof. A. Amuda Kannike, SAN; others counsel for the defendants include Chief Emeka Okpokiri,SAN; Isiaka Olagunju, SAN, KadiriAsamah, SAN and Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN.

In his argument, Ozakhome urged the court to dismiss the suit inspite of the hurried notice of discontinuance filed by the APC when it knew it has lost the case. He argued further that the case had come up on four occasions for argument, issues had been filed by all parties, citing several appellate courts decisions; Ozakhome finally urged the court to dismiss the suit.

Delivering her judgement, Justice Malik agreed with Ozakhome and dismissed the suit and awarded heavy costs of 2 Million Naira each in favour of all the defendants; Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade and Peoples Democratic Party respectively. The court further warned that parties should desist from approaching the court with frivolous matters.

This judgement has again proved that the PDP is a law abiding political party that is prepared to bring succor and rescue Ogun State from the shackles of bad leadership meted on the good people of Ogun State by the APC.

This suit filed by APC further shows the desperation of the ruling party to work against having PDP candidates on the ballot in addition to sponsoring dissidents in PDP.

Our party members, supporters and the good people of Ogun State should remain calm and focused as we are gradually approaching the light at the end of the tunnel. We are sure of victory and surmounting all the hurdles.

Signed

Afolabi Orekoya

Director of Media, Ladi Adebutu & Akinlade Campaign Organization