The governor of Cross River state, Mr Ben Ayade, has won a case at the Court of Appeal. The case was a challenge to his candidature for election into the national assembly as senator representing Cross River north. The suit was filed by Cecilia Adams, a participant in the May 28th primaries of the All Progressives Congress. The appellant had previously lost at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
This is all as reported by Esther Blankson of Punch. The Court dismissed the appeal seeking to set aside the judgment of the trial court and to grant the reliefs sought in its originating summons. This relief among others was to order the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise Adams’ name. As well as accept and publish him as the candidate of the APC for the Cross River North Senatorial District.
Also joined as co-respondents with Ayade in the appeal challenging the APC primary were the APC, Martin Orim and INEC. Martin Orim had earlier won the primary but later resigned to enable a fresh primary to be conducted by INEC through which Governor Ayade emerged as the winner. The Court of Appeal has stood with the judgement of the lower court with Ayade having victory. Also stating that the appeal lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed.
