Enugu 2015 guber: jubilation in Enugu over Appeal Court judgement

THERE was jubilation in Enugu, the Enugu State capital on

thursday over the victory of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on the Appeal

Court judgment in Abuja which affirmed his emergence as the

governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) duly

elected at the December 4, 2014 primary election for the 2015 general

elections.

Tribune Online observed that scores of residents of Enugu

Metropolis especially youths marched to the major streets expressing

their joy over the Appeal Court judgment.

Reacting to the judgment, the State chapter of the PDP in a

Statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani said that the

Appeal Court’s verdict was a victory for democracy and the good people

Of the state, whom he said gave the PDP-led government of Governor

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi the mandate to lead the state.

Nnamani, while thanking God for the victory, appreciated the

Judiciary for rising up to its solemn responsibility of ensuring that

Justice prevails, stressing that the judgment was a clear indication

That the third arm of government is the last hope of the common man.

Also, Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Areas in Enugu State

Under the aegis of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON),

Through a statement by its State Chairman, Prince Cornelius Nnaji also

Congratulated Gov. Ugwuanyi on the victory, describing it as a true

Reflection of the wishes of the people of the state, especially those

At the grassroots.

The PDP Chairman, in his statement maintained that Gov.

Ugwuanyi’s emergence as the party’s governorship candidate in 2014 was

a popular choice, urging a few individuals who are still aggrieved

with the party’s decision to put their differences behind and join

hands with the governor in moving the party and state forward for the

overall interest of the people.

“Gov. Ugwuanyi’s emergence as our governorship candidate in 2014

Were overwhelming and a popular decision, which saw to his landslide?

Victory both at the primary and general elections. The recent judgment

of the Court of Appeal only affirmed the unanimous decision, goodwill,

Solidarity and support, which our party members and the good people of

Enugu State have continued to accord him and his administration for

The entrenchment of good governance and people-oriented leadership in

The state”

“The party therefore, wishes to call on a few persons who may

Still be aggrieved to drop their difference in the interest of the

State and join hands with our visionary governor to move Enugu state

Forward. Our governor as a man of peace is ever ready and willing to

Accommodate all shades of interests in line with his administrations

Peace and development initiatives.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, had on Wednesday, dismissed the

Appeal by the former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election in Enugu State, Senator Ayogu

Eze, seeking to upturn the emergence of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as

The candidate of the PDP duly elected at the December 4, 2014 primary

Election in the State.

The Court in a judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Peter Ige

Dismissed the appeal for lack of merit as well as lack of locus standi

By Senator Ezek, whom the Court said, admitted by his affidavit

Evidence that he did not participate in the primary election

Conducted by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP.

The Court also held that the High Court lacked the jurisdiction

To entertain the suit ab initio since Senator Ayogu Eze did not

Qualify as an aspirant entitled to challenge the outcome of the

Primary election as provided in Section 87 (9) of the Electoral Act.

He explained that in line with the Electoral Act “the aspirant

Must be an insider, somebody who participated in the primary

authorised by the party”.

“The appellant admitted he was aware that another primary was

Conducted by Asara Asara, but that he did not participate.

“The appeal of the appellant lacks merit. The judgment of the

lower court is affirmed”, he added.

It could be recalled that Senator Eze had approached the Federal

High Court, Abuja, seeking, among other reliefs, “A declaration that

the plaintiff (Ayogu Eze), having been elected by the majority of the

Lawful votes cast at the primary election held on 8th December 2014,

For the election of a governorship candidate for the 1st defendant

(PDP) where the authentic and authenticated list of delegates for the

1st defendant (primary election) held on 1st November 2014 and

Sanctioned and recognised by the Federal High Court judgment of 24th

November 2014 is the right candidate of the 1st and 2nd defendants

(PDP and PDP National Working Committee) whose name must be submitted

to the third defendant as their rightful governorship candidate for

the general election of 2015”.

The lower court dismissed the case of Ayogu Eze as it held that

the judgment of Justice Ademola did not compel the party to use any

particular list of ad-hoc delegates for the primary election, hence

there was no breach of Section 87 (4) (b) of the Electoral Act.