In a definitive pronouncement this afternoon, the Supreme Court has once again affirmed Senator Austin Akobundu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected representative for the Abia Central Senatorial election.
The Apex Court unequivocally dismissed the Motion submitted by Hon. Darlington Nwokocha of the Labour Party (LP), who sought a review of the Court of Appeal’s judgment nullifying his election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The grounds for nullification were rooted in his purported lack of proper nomination by his party for the electoral contest.
It is pertinent to recall that the Court of Appeal, just last Friday, rejected Hon. Nwokocha’s motion aimed at overturning its prior judgment, which ousted him and upheld Senator Akobundu as the legitimately elected senator representing Abia Central in the Senate. Notably, the Appeal Court had imposed a penalty of N5 million on Hon. Nwokocha, payable to Senator Akobundu.
Despite the clear jurisdiction of the Appeal Court as the final arbiter on National Assembly matters, Hon. Nwokocha pursued the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking a reversal of the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
The Supreme Court, in its ruling this afternoon, summarily dismissed Hon. Nwokocha’s motion, conclusively concluding his attempt to challenge Senator Akobundu’s position. Additionally, the Apex Court imposed a fine of N2 million on Hon. Nwokocha, thereby elevating the total cost he is obligated to pay Senator Akobundu to N7 million. This judicial outcome solidifies Senator Akobundu’s victory and establishes legal finality in the matter.
