6 reasons why Kano court's nullification of Alex Ottis' candidature cannot stand - Prominent Lawyer reveals

Umuahia, Abia state- A popular constitutional lawyer, Festus Ogun, has said an extraordinary judgement by a federal high court in Kano state, on Thursday, May 18, cannot stand.

Recall that the court nullified the candidature of Alex Otti, governor-elect of Abia state, and other candidates of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia and Kano states.

Issuing a verdict based on a suit filed by Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahim, Mohammed Yunusa, the presiding judge, ruled that the emergence of the concerned persons was illegal.

The judge stated that Otti and others did not comply with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act. However, the court declined to cancel Otti's election as Abia governor.

Reacting to the development via his known Twitter handle on Friday, May 19, Ogun objected to Yunusa's verdict.

He wrote: "This judgement cannot stand. Here is why.

1. Suit was instituted over a month after the election has been conducted and winners, including Alex Otii has emerged.

2. Those whose interest are adversely affected were not joined as party to the suit.

3. Who is Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahim? Under the Electoral Act, 2022, only an aspirant who actually participated in the primaries can challenge the candidate of any party.

4. The issue of party membership is an internal affair of political party which the court cannot entertain.

5. The suit is academic and the judgement cannot serve any purpose since the election had already been conducted.

6. The suit is an abuse of court process.

"The judgement CANNOT survive appellate scrutiny. It will be quashed on appeal."

This judgement cannot stand. Here is why.

1. Suit was instituted over a month after the election has been conducted and winners, including Alex Otii has emerged.

2. Those whose interest are adversely affected were not joined as party to the suit. pic.twitter.com/0CnATzUc2D

— FESTUS OGUN (@mrfestusogun) May 19, 2023