Ondo APC Governorship Primary Suit: Party Wants Case Transferred To Akure

By Ayodele Oni

Citing convenience of parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally requested the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to transfer the case filed by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a defeated governorship aspirant, from Abuja to Ondo State.

The suit is challenging the validity of the primary election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the party’s candidate for the upcoming November election.

In a letter by APC’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, the party emphasized the convenience of conducting proceedings in Ondo State, as both the plaintiff and defendants are based there.

Additionally, the presence of a Federal High Court in Ondo was cited as a logistical advantage.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim initiated the suit on May 3, 2024, at the Abuja Division of the Court, seeking to invalidate the primary election results.

Named as defendants in the suit are the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the mention of the case on Tuesday  in Abuja, representatives from all parties were present. Counsel to the Plaintiff, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, confirmed the service of the Originating Summons to all defendants.

Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing APC, informed the Court about the filed Memorandum of Conditional Appearance and the letter requesting the case’s transfer to Akure Division, in line with the Practice Direction issued by the Chief Judge.

Representatives for Governor Aiyedatiwa and INEC echoed the idea of transferring the case to Akure, where the primary election occurred.

Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the case to May 29, 2024, awaiting the decision on the transfer request by the Chief Judge.