APC’s Objection Stalls Hearing in PDP’s Suit Seeking Ize-Iyamu’s Disqualification

Hearing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s suit seeking the disqualification of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from the September 19 election was yesterday stalled at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

The suit slated for hearing for September 8, 2020, could not go on owing to a motion objecting to its hearing by the APC.

PDP had in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/69/20, prayed the court for an order disqualifying Ize-Iyamu from contesting in the September 19 governorship poll on account of not being validly nominated by his party, the APC.

The plaintiff in the suit filed on July 3, 2020, by its team of lawyers led by Chief Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), is claiming that Ize-iyamu was not a product of a valid primary election hence, should not be allowed to participate in the forthcoming election.

Defendants in the suit are; Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Although the suit was initially instituted in the Benin Division of the Federal High Court, it was however transferred to the Abuja Division owing to the annual vacation of the Federal High Court.

When the matter was called yesterday, PDP’s lawyer, Orbih, told the court that the suit was pen down for hearing “today” but he was served “in court this morning” with the Notice of Preliminary Objection by the second defendant.

“I will want to react to it”, he said and prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him do so.

Responding, trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed called on counsel to APC, Mr. Tunde Adejumo for confirmation.

Similarly lawyers to Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Mr Alhassan Umar (SAN) and Ize Iyamu, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), while confirming service also requested for time to respond to the motion.