The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the transfer of the case filed by governorship aspirant, Jimoh Ibrahim, against the nomination of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the election to governor of November 16. from Abuja to Akure, Ondo State.
Lawyers for the APC had earlier filed an application asking the court to effect the transfer in light of the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the case.
They argued that since the matter originated in Ondo State and all parties are domiciled in the state, it was appropriate for the matter to be dealt with in the state.
In the application by APC counsel, Matthew Burkaa, the party emphasized the desirability of conducting the proceedings in Ondo State as both the plaintiff and the defendants are based there.
Furthermore, the presence of a Federal High Court in Ondo State was cited as a logistical advantage.
Ibrahim filed the suit on May 3, 2024 at the Abuja Division Court, seeking to invalidate the results of the primary elections.
Ibrahim is questioning the validity of the primary elections that resulted in Governor Aiyedatiwa as the party’s candidate for the upcoming November elections.
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The defendants in the suit are the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing APC, informed the Court of the submitted Conditional Appearance Memorandum and the letter requesting the transfer of the case to the Akure Division, in accordance with the Practice Direction issued by the Presiding Judge.
Governor Aiyedatiwa and INEC representatives echoed the idea of transferring the case to Akure where the primary elections were held.
The transfer of the case to Akure was confirmed on Monday through a notification from the office of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“His Lordship, the Hon, the Chief Judge directs me to inform you that action has been taken by transferring this case to the Federal High Court, Akure, after considering the response of Chief Chris Uche, SAN, Counsel for the Plaintiff. , at 1 “Defendant’s Request,” the letter said.
READ ALSO: Ondo 2024: Ibrahim seeks annulment of Aiyedatiwa nomination as APC candidate
“Please accept the esteemed greetings of Your Honor, the Honorable Chief Judge.”
Meanwhile, INEC on Saturday released the names and details of candidates of 17 political parties for the upcoming elections.
The final list of candidates will be published on June 18, 2024.