Anxiety in Awka as court hears suit on candidate nomination

Chris Uba visits Obiano

THERE was palpable apprehension in Anambra State, especially within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Supreme Court this morning commences hearing in the suit brought by the state chapter of the party led by Chief Ejike Oguebego, chairman and Chuks Okoye, the legal adviser seeking an order for the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognize any other candidates for the coming general elections except those that emerged from its primary.

   The process, which was filed and served on the Adamu Muazu-led PDP headquarters and INEC about two weeks ago was listed for first hearing this morning. There were doubts whether it could be conclusively heard before the March 28 elections. 

   The situation became more confused when PDD chieftain Chris Uba, who is also the Anambra South senatorial candidate paid an unscheduled visit to the state governor, Willie Obiano on Friday. He had a closed door meeting with the governor.

   Oguenego had filed notice of appeal, motion for stay of proceedings/execution as well as the motion for abridgment of time on its suit before the Supreme Court.

   The apex court is to determine the valid candidates of the party to contest the general elections in the state.

   In his Motion on Notice pursuant to Sec 17 of the Court of Appeal Act 2004 and Order 4 Rule 6 of Court of Appeal Rules 2011, the Anambra exco was seeking an order for stay of execution of the Court of Appeal verdict of Feb 6,2015 in suit ref CA/A/737/201 PDP vs Oguebefo and 3 others, pending final determination of appeal brought by Oguebego and Okoye at the Supreme Court.

   They also were seeking an order of injunction restraining the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission or any of their agents whatsoever from implementing the Court of Appeal verdict of Feb 6, 2015, pending the determination of the appeal before the Supreme Court, and or any other order the court may deem necessary.

   Oguebego exco had held party primaries where Uba, Sen. Annie Okonkwo and Prince John Emeka emerged Anambra South, Central and North senatorial candidates respectively.

 While Charles Odedo (Idemili), Emma Nweke (Awka), Val Ayika (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia), Julius Ofoma(Nnewi), Tony Offiah (Aguata), Benny Obaze (Ogbaru), Princess Ify Anazonwu and others emerged candidates for the House of Representatives.

   The suit, if it succeeds would hinder the political ambition of Dr. Andy Uba, Stella Oduah, Iyom Uche Ekwunife and others.