The Supreme Court, Abuja, holds the ace and will be the ultimate decider on the fate of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and Frank Ibezim.
The duo are laying claims to the candidacy of the All Progressive Congress, APC, for Okigwe senatorial election, and winner of the senatorial election for the zone.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared the APC, winner of Imo North Senatorial election.
The Commission, however failed to declare a candidate of the party as winner, on the grounds that there are legal bottlenecks and hiccups, preventing the electoral body from declaring either, Araraume or Ibezim winner of the election.
Legal fireworks which originated from the lower courts, has moved to the Supreme Court Abuja, which is expected to decide the fate of the two antagonists.
Senator Araraume had reportedly sought and secured a stay of Execution Order and a Notice of Appeal from the Supreme Court, after the Court of Appeal had declared Frank Ibezim, as candidate of the APC for Okigwe senatorial election.
INNONEWS was informed that the Supreme Court will hear the matter today (Feb 2), where the legal teams of the two parties are expected to tender evidences before the court to strengthen their claims.
Judgement is not expected in today’s hearing but at a later date.
Araraume and Ibezim political face off began when the APC held its primary for Okigwe Senate election.
Two parallel primaries were held and the duo emerged seperately as candidates of the party.
24 hours to Imo North Senatorial election, the Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri declared Ibezim, candidate of the APC.
Same day, a Federal High Court, Abuja sacked Ibezim as candidate of the party, for presenting fake certificates to INEC, and declared Senator Araraume candidate of the party.