January 13, (THEWILL) – The Supreme Court has nullified the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which produced Jones Onyerere, as its Senatorial candidate for Imo West in the February National Assembly election.
The apex Court nullified the party’s primary election on the ground that it was conducted in Owerri, Imo State Capital, instead of Orlu, being the Senatorial Headquarters of Imo West.
Justice Emmanuel Agim in a judgement on the appeal, filed by Hon Nnamdi Ezeani, said the PDP grossly violated section 87 (9) of the Electoral Act by conducting the primary election outside the venue clearly stipulated by law.
The Apex Court held that by the judgement, PDP would not participate in the next month’s Senatorial election, having failed to produce its candidate within the time allowed by law.
Justice Agim held that since the time for the conduct of the primary election to nominate candidates was already over, it is deemed that the party would not have a candidate in the February 25 National Assembly poll.
The Court warned political parties to always conduct their affairs within the ambit of the law, adding that section 87 (9) of the Electoral Act is clear on where primary elections should be conducted.
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