Imo State Governorship Election Matters: Who Will Laugh Last As PDP Joins Suit Filed By RAP?
The battle for the number one seat in Imo State has continued to linger even 16 months after the election. The battle at the polls saw Emeka Ihedioha emerge the winner according the the result which was announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, 7 months after he was sworn in as the Executive Governor of the state, Senator Hope Uzodinma won the legal battle over the election. This saw the removal of Emeka Ihedioha from office as the Executive Governor of the state, while Senator Hope Uzodinma was sworn in. The judgement caused a mixed reaction among Nigerians, with some arguing that the judgement was not fair and Uzodinma’s victory not justifiable. On the other hand, the judgement caused a wild jubilation in Senator Hope Uzodinma as they hailed the court for standing up for the masses who voted Senator Hope Uzodimma
Since Governor Hope Uzodinma was sworn in as the Executive Governor of Imo State, many of Ihedioha’s still find it difficult to face the reality that their amiable governor is gone. While those in the governor’s camp have contued to enjoy the memory of the Supreme Court judgement that gave them victory. But with the suit filed by Barrister Kingdom Okere who contested in the 2019 Governorship election in Imo State under the platform of Reform and Advancement Party (RAP), demanding for a legal interpretation of the Supreme Court judgement between Uche Nwosu and Senator Hope Uzodinma where the court nullified Senator Hope Uzodinma’s nomination as APC candidate for the election, we await to see who laughs last.
Recently, the People’s Democratic Party joined the suit seeking for the removal of Governor Hope Uzodinma on the ground that he was not a candidate in the 2019 Governorship election in Imo State having lost his nomination bid to Uche Nwosu. Okere who cited section 177(c) of the 1999 constitution had prayed to court to explain if the section has been amended to allow a candidate to contest without being sponsored by any political party.
The case which was adjourned till 29th of September, 2020 has thrown open, potential doors for Emeka Ihedioha’s camp to have the last laugh should Kingdom Okere and the PDP emerge victorious at the court.
Source: opera.com