A’Ibom 2023: Court rejects move to stop Udofia’s case

Akpan Umoh, Uyo
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday rejected a move by Sen. Ita Enang to strike out All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Obong Akanimo Udofia’s, action against INEC for allegedly being filed out of time.
It will be recalled that Udofia had filed an action to compel INEC to publish his name and particulars having been declared the winner of the APC Governorship Primaries in Akwa Ibom State.
Addressing the Court, Counsel to Udofia, Valentine Offia argued that INEC’s omission of Akanimo Udofia’s name occured on July 22 while the suit was filed on 1st of August 1, 2022.
He further established that the computation of time falls within the statutory 14 days period for such pre election matters prescribed in section 285(9) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The court upheld Akanimo Udofia’s argument that the case was properly filed in time thereby thwarting any move by Enang to render it out of time.
The case has been adjourned to October 17, 2022 for hearing.