The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) lawsuit against the All Progressives Congress (APC) was dismissed by a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, presided over by Justice Turaki Mohammed.
In its lawsuit, the PDP requested that the court invalidate the candidacies of all legislative candidates in the state contesting on the APC platform on the grounds that INEC did not oversee their primaries and that they did not adhere to the Electoral Act.
The Court of Appeal’s prior decision prohibiting political parties from meddling in the internal affairs of other parties led the court to dismiss the case, alleging a lack of jurisdiction.
After the court’s judgment, the APC’s attorney, Emenike Ebete, praised it and described it as a triumph for justice in a statement to the media. He claims that the APC candidates can now campaign freely throughout Rivers State without fear.
Asita Asita, the APC candidate running for the Rivers West Senatorial District, praised the court for the ruling and vowed to destroy the PDP in the coming elections.
Dike Udenna, the PDP’s attorney, chose not to comment on the outcome.
Remember that the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in the state was previously barred from running for office due to dual citizenship; the judgment is currently being challenged.