Judicial Victory for Akpata
The Federal High Court in Benin, presided over by Justice Babatunde Quadri, ruled on Monday to dismiss a lawsuit that contested Olumide Akpata’s eligibility as the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024. The court found it lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit brought by Kenneth Imasuagbon, Akpata’s rival in the party’s primaries.
Exhausting Internal Mechanisms
Justice Quadri pointed out that Kenneth Imasuagbon did not engage the Labour Party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms prior to initiating legal proceedings. He underscored the necessity of adhering to established party protocols and procedures in the resolution of candidacy disputes.
The court stressed the significance of resolving such disputes within party structures before resorting to the judiciary. This approach ensures that all internal avenues for resolution are fully explored and adheres to the democratic processes within political parties.
Legal Grounds for Dismissal
Further undermining Imasuagbon’s case against Akpata, the court declared his claims statute-barred, meaning he raised them too late for legal action. Additionally, the court criticized the lawsuit for lacking substantial evidence and being based on speculative grounds.
Implications for Edo Governorship Election
This ruling clears the way for Olumide Akpata to focus on his campaign for the governorship without the cloud of legal challenges. It also sets a precedent for political candidates to resolve disputes within party frameworks before seeking judicial intervention.
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