Introduction:
The Supreme Court has delivered a decisive verdict, affirming Senator Athan Achonu as the official governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the upcoming November 11 election in Imo State.
This ruling follows a series of legal challenges mounted against Achonu’s candidature by an aggrieved LP aspirant, Basil Maduka.
Legal Challenge Dismissed:
Background of the Dispute Basil Maduka had initiated legal actions against Athan Achonu’s candidacy within the LP, initially at the Federal High Court and subsequently at the Court of Appeal.
However, these legal avenues ultimately led to the Supreme Court.
Dismissal for Lack of Locus Standi The Supreme Court, in its judgment, dismissed Maduka’s case, citing a lack of locus standi.
This legal term implies that Maduka did not have a sufficient interest or standing in the matter to bring the case before the court.
Court’s Rebuke and Time Wastage:
Strong Words from the Supreme Court A panel of five justices, presided over by Justice Iyang Okoro, not only ruled against Maduka but also chastised him for abusing the court process and wasting valuable court time.
Labour Party’s Counsel’s Statement:
Controversy Laid to Rest Barrister Okwudili Anozie, representing the Labour Party, expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision, declaring that the controversy surrounding Athan Achonu’s candidature has been conclusively resolved.
He accused Basil Maduka and his associate, Joseph Ukaegbu (known as Ikenga), of engaging in deceit and spreading false information.
Withdrawal of Appeal Following the exposure of their alleged deception in court, Basil Maduka’s counsel withdrew the appeal, which Anozie described as an attempt to lend credibility to Ukaegbu’s purported but non-existent primaries within the Labour Party.
Confirmation of Candidacy:
Athan Achonu’s Path to Nomination Athan Achonu secured the governorship nomination through a primary organized by Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
This legal victory now solidifies his position as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming election in Imo State.
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