The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declared Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election held for Cross River North.
The court, while dismissing the case of the plaintiff, Cicilia Odey said that Cecilia’s claim was non-in-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, APC guidelines and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and cannot be proven by any material fact.
Report has it that the Court which was presided by Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha dismissed a suit filed by Cecilia Odey against the Governor of Cross River State Senator Ben Ayade.
Meanwhile, the APC Publicity Secretary in Cross River State Erasmus Ekpang also has been reported saying that the victory of the Governor Ben Ayade was expected because he is popular in the party.
According to the report, Ekpang in his words said. “Cecilia has not been on ground and there was no way she would have emerged a candidate.” Advising Cecilia Odey on what she would have done other than going to court.
Recalled that, Cecilia Odey of the APC participated in the May 28th Cross River State Northern Senatorial primaries and won zero vote against the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Martins Orim who later became the preferred candidate.
Following the voluntary withdrawal of Martins Orim for Ayade, she also filed a suit, challenging the fresh primaries that was conducted on the 14th of July 2022, in pursuant to S. 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022.