APC governorship, senatorial candidates in A’Ibom to appeal judgements

Ini Billie, Uyo

Akwa Ibom State All Progressives Congress Party (APC) Governorship and Senatorial candidates, Mr Akan Udofia and Senator Godswill Akpabio have said they would appeal court judgments disqualifying them for the 2023 elections.

The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo on 14 November 2022 nullified the APC primaries and held that its candidate, Akanimo Udofia was not qualified to contest the gubernatorial primaries of the party, while the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered the INEC to delist him as the APC senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the 2023 elections, saying the lower court erred in declaring him as the candidate for the position.

However, both candidates have kicked against the court judgments disqualifying them for the 2023 elections.

Udofia who said the ruling violated his right to association and fundamental human rights, stated in a press release signed by the Director-General, Akan Udofia Campaign, Chief Don Etim that the ruling was a conspiracy against his candidacy.

“Obong Akanimo Udofia remains undaunted and is optimistic that he will surely be on the ballot as Governorship Candidate of the APC and win the 2023 Elections with the support of our people.

“There is no shadow of doubt over his candidacy. We have great confidence in our judiciary and will take immediate steps to appeal this judgement and recover the mandate freely conferred on him by the members of our great Party.

“We urge all good people of Akwa Ibom State and teeming supporters to remain calm and go about their lawful duties and activities for our collective march towards a prosperous Akwa Ibom is still very much on course,” he stated.

Speaking through a press release he signed, Akpabio wondered why a ruling was made against him and his interest in a case he was not part of.

“My attention has been drawn to the judgement delivered by the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, directing the INEC to delist my name from their list as the APC senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

“It is instructive to mention that I was not a party in the said Appeal though Orders were made against me and my interest.

“Whilst awaiting a copy of the said judgement to be made available to me and any other interested party, it is important to state that I am a Lawyer by training and a law-abiding citizen of this country and I am bound by our laws and judgements emanating from our courts including the one under reference.

“I am aware that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has the final say in these matters. I, therefore, strongly advise my supporters, APC members and all my constituents to remain calm and law-abiding, as they continue their campaigns for the successes of the APC in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large,” he stated.