A Federal High Court in Benin, presided over by Justice Babatunde Quadri, has reserved judgment until July 19, 2024, on the dispute over the Labour Party’s governorship candidacy following the primaries held on February 23, 2024.
Kenneth Imasuagbon challenged the nomination of Olumide Akpata as the party’s candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
Imasuagbon argued that the Labour Party did not adhere to electoral guidelines during the primaries and alleged that Akpata failed to complete and sign the necessary indemnity form.
The case, which had been adjourned twice, was heard on Tuesday, with written submissions from the legal representatives of both parties being presented.
A.A. Malik (SAN), representing Imasuagbon, urged the court to dismiss the defense’s arguments, asserting that the party violated the electoral act and its own constitution. Malik called for the court to either declare Imasuagbon the winner or nullify the primary election and order a fresh one, citing over-voting and other irregularities.
In contrast, Kadiri Asamah (SAN), counsel for the defense, argued that the plaintiff’s claims were unfounded and should be dismissed as pre-primary issues. Asamah maintained that the case was an abuse of court process and requested that the court reject the plaintiff’s submissions.
After hearing both sides, Justice Quadri scheduled the judgment for July 19, 2024.