A suit has been instituted at the Federal High Court in Benin against the outcome of Labour Party primaries, which produced Olumidae Akpata, as the winner of the February 23, 2024, primary election for the purpose of electing the LP’s candidate for the forthcoming Governorship election in the state.
The plaintiff Kenneth Imansuangbon a member of the party who also participated in the exercise, is in an originating summon, sighted by AIT, seeking an order of the court to dismiss Akpata as the elected candidate of the party.
The plaintiff is praying amongst other things, for the court to declare null and void the the entire process of the February 23 primary, noting that it is in violation of the provisions of Section 222(c) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The plaintiff is however seeking an order directing Labour Party to immediately issue certificate of return to him as the winner of the primary election.
Amongst others the plaintiff is also seeking an order of the court commanding, directing or otherwise mandating Labour Party to organize or conduct a fresh primary election, not later than 30 days after the judgement
of this court, for the purpose of electing or selecting its candidate or standard bearer for the forthcoming Governorship election in Edo State, in line or in strict compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.
A date is yet to be fixed for hearing of the Suit.
