A Federal High Court in Benin, presided over by Justice Babatunde Quadri, has reserved its judgment for July 19, 2024, concerning the Labour Party’s governorship primary election held on February 23, 2024.
Kenneth Imansuangbon challenged the nomination of Barrister Olumide Akpata as the party’s candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024.
Imansuangbon’s legal challenge is based on claims that the Labour Party did not adhere to electoral guidelines during the primaries and that Akpata failed to complete and sign the indemnity form, among other allegations.
After two adjournments, the case was heard on Tuesday. Written addresses from the counsels for both the plaintiff and the defendants were presented.
Leading the plaintiff’s legal team, A. A. Malik (SAN) argued that the submission by Akpata’s counsels should be dismissed due to violations of the electoral act and the party’s constitution, which are crucial to the electoral process.
Malik asserted that the plaintiff had presented a reasonable cause of action and urged the court to either declare Imansuangbon the winner or nullify the primary election and order a new one.
He also alleged that the primaries were compromised by over-voting, contrary to party guidelines and the constitution.
In response, the counsel for the defendant and Akpata’s running mate, Kadiri Asamah (SAN), argued that the plaintiff’s claims were baseless and pre-primary issues that the court should dismiss.
Asamah maintained that the plaintiff’s written addresses constituted an abuse of court processes and should be disregarded.
After the court session, Kenneth Imansuangbon expressed confidence in the court’s ability to deliver justice. He reiterated his commitment to improving Edo State.
