Court injunction: PDP senatorial aspirant withdraws from race over ad hoc delegates

Ini Billie, Uyo

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen has withdrawn from the race over the senatorial primaries held on May 23, 2022, over a court injunction.

According to Inyangeyen, the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the Peoples Democratic Party to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the case involving whether or not the contentious issue of ad hoc delegates should be used for the election of flag bearers of the party.

Inyangeyen, speaking via a statement on Monday in Uyo, added that he, his supporters and agents will not participate in the nomination exercise as the delegates to be used are not recognised by the laws of the land.

He, however, stated that his decision does not mean a withdrawal from the race, saying he was still contesting to serve his people.

The immediate past Chief of Staff to Governor Udom Emmanuel noted that he would participate in the nomination when the matters have been resolved in court and appealed to his supporters to remain law-abiding.

“A court of first instance which is equally of competent jurisdiction has made a pronouncement on the matter which was correctly and legally interpreted to mean that statutory delegates are yet to be approved for purposes of nominating candidates for the general election, to this extent and in obedience to court orders.

“I hereby disassociate myself from whatever the party intends to do using the unapproved ad hoc delegates list today 23rd May, 2022

“Myself, my agent and supporters therefore shall not participate in the nomination exercise as delegates to be so used by the Party are not recognised by the laws of the land.

“The refusal of myself and members of my team to participate is not a withdrawal from the race. I am still so much in the race to serve my people of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.

“Our refusal to join the charade is in total obedience to court orders as we don’t want to be seen or charged for contempt of court,” he stated.