Ibezim Vs Araraume: What Happened In Court

• The Court held that the APC errred by submitting Ibezim’s name to INEC as candidate of the APC for Okigwe senate election

A Federal High Court, Owerri Division, Friday, declared Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, as candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, for Okigwe Senatorial election. 

The presiding judge, Justice Garba Ringim, in his ruling, in Suit no FHC/Ow/101/2020, nullified the election of Frank Ibezim as candidate of the party, on the grounds that he was disqualified by the party’s screening Commitee before the primary election, to elect a candidate of the APC for Okigwe senate election.

He said Ibezim should not have participated in the Primary and therefore any vote for him remains a nullity.

The Judge also gave an order to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to replace Ibezim with Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as candidate of the party.

Recall that Senator Ifeanyi Araraume had approached the court, disputing the nomination of Mr. Ibezim as candidate of the party for Okigwe senate election.

The Court had after proceedings on October 16 adopted briefs of counsels on the matter and reserved judgement for October 27. 

The Court did not pass judgement on the said date as the presiding judge was not on sit.

The APC Okigwe senate primary had generated controversy as parallel primaries were held.

The APC had  forwarded the name of Frank Ibezim, to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as authentic candidate of the party for the Okigwe Senate polls, a move nullified by the court.