Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Federal High Court in Jalingo has nullified the Labour Party’s gubernatorial primaries in Taraba state and ordered fresh conduct within 10 days.
Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, acclaimed winner in the last gubernatorial primaries for Labour Party in the state had his nomination nullified by federal high court on the ground that his name appeared in two different political parties, namely the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Labour Party (LP).
It will be recalled that the plaintiff, Evangelist Phillip Munlip, also a gubernatorial aspirant for party, had challenged the candidature of Senator Ikenya whom he referred was not closer to victory at the last concluded primaries.
Delivering judgement, Hon. Justice Bala Usman declared Senator Ikenya’s candidature as null and void stating that his name appeared in NNPP and LP and cannot be a valid candidate at the same time and therefore orders fresh primaries for eligible aspirants.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after ruling, counsel to the plaintiff Barrister Umar Funga who hails the ruling of the federal high court said Sen. Ikenya’s nomination and publication therein were invalid based on findings and pray that INEC and other relevant bodies will never recognize Ikenya’s candidature.
He however said the mandated 10 days timeline approved by court would be adhered to, despite 180 days INEC stipulated period.
In his reaction, Honorable Phillip Munlip expressed satisfaction on the ruling, pointing out that Sen. Joel Ikenya was never the valid candidate of the party and wondered how he parades himself as the party’s candidate before the public.
“I am happy the court has rejected Joel Ikenya, the court has given the final ruling, the party has been given another opportunity, it is my belief that Labour party will be united and work for the success of all in order to achieve victory come march 11th 2023 governorship election”.