Court nullifies APC congresses in Kogi

A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified and set aside the Ward and Local Government congresses which was held on February 7 by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.

Justice James Omotosho voided the two congresses because they were not conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, and the Constitution of the APC.

Justice Omotosho barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the delegates list that emanated from the congresses of the party for the purpose of selecting its governorship flag bearer.

He ordered APC leadership to hold fresh ones that would comply with section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and section 13 of the Party’s constitution.

He agreed with the plaintiffs that the APC in Kogi State did not conduct Ward and Local Government congresses as stipulated by relevant provisions of the law.

The Judge agreed with the counsel to the plaintiffs, Ogwu Onoja, that the ruling party contravened section 84 of the Electoral Act and section 13 of its own constitution by concocting a purported list of delegates and submitting the same to INEC without the knowledge of registered members of the party in Kogi.

The Judge held that during the trial of the case, the APC failed to disclose the venues and time where the purported Ward and Local Government congresses were held and also failed to show the report of INEC officials that purportedly monitored the elections.

He then ordered APC to hold special Ward and Local Government congresses in line with the provisions of the relevant laws, especially section 84 of the Electoral Act and section 13 of the APC Constitution.