The supreme court has affirmed Samuel Onuigbo as the APC Candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, dismissing the appeal filed by Emeka Atuma.
Atuma had approached the apex court to appeal against the judgement of the court of appeal that ordered INEC to recognize Samuel Onuigbo as the party’s authentic candidate for Abia’s central senatorial district.
A panel of 5 justices of the court affirmed the judgement of the court of appeal.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri had in December 1 nullified the candidacy of Emeka Atuma of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Abia Central senatorial election.
Onuigbo who represents the Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency at the House of Representatives had appealed the earlier judgement by Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia which recognised Atuma as the flag bearer.
Granting the prayers of Onuigbo, the Appellate court upheld the legality of the party primary held on May 28, 2022, which produced Onuigbo who scored the highest number of votes.
Justice Emmanuel Akomaye while delivering judgement on the matter ruled in favour of Onuigbo.
Attempt to get reactions from Atuma’s counsel proved abortive as he declined granting any interviews with journalists.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
