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Appeal Court Restores Francis Ottah Agbo to Ballot for Forthcoming Election

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Appeal Court has made a significant ruling that has restored Francis Ottah Agbo to the ballot for the forthcoming election in the Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, following the annulment of Aida Nath Ogwuche's victory in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary. The Court disqualified Ogwuche due to her failure to resign her appointment with the public service before contesting the primary, prompting the lawmaker to hail the judiciary's decision as a safeguard for democracy. Agbo dedicated his victory to God and the people of his constituency, seeking their support to return as a member of House of Representatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Appeal Court delivered a judgment on Friday, annulling Aida Nath Ogwuche's victory in the PDP primary and restoring Francis Ottah Agbo to the ballot for the forthcoming election.
  • The Court disqualified Ogwuche for failing to resign her appointment with the public service before contesting the primary, as per the Electoral Act 2022 and the 1999 Constitution as amended.
  • Francis Ottah Agbo expressed gratitude to the judiciary, stating that the decision was a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
  • Agbo extended an olive branch to his opponents, urging them to have faith in God's plan and join hands to improve the lives of their constituents.
  • The PDP's leader has no personal enemies to fight, only poverty and underdevelopment, which he aims to address by ensuring continuity in the constituency.

Statistics:

  • 1: The number of Fridays on which the Appeal Court delivered its judgment.
  • 2022: The year in which the Electoral Act was amended to include the requirement for public servants to resign before contesting elections.
  • 1999: The year in which the Constitution was amended to include clear guidelines for public servants.
  • 1: The number of Certificate of Return to be issued to Francis Ottah Agbo as the validly elected candidate of PDP for the constituency.

Sources:

  • Andrew Agbese, Media Adviser to Francis Ottah Agbo

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