BY OLUMIDE ABUDU
The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital has reserved hearing on the suit seeking fresh conduct of primary election into the Akoko SouthEast/South-West Federal Constituency of the All Progressives Congress APC.
When the matter came up for hearing, the Presiding judge, Justice Demi Ajayi observed that no representation was made for the defendants and however adjourned till 13th of July, 2022.
Justice Ajayi urged parties involved to tidy up for accelerated hearing based on the nature of the suit.
The defendants in the suit include Mr Gboyega Adefarati, INEC and APC Chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin.
The Plaintiff Counsel, Mr Sola Ajisafe while speaking with newsmen said the defendants have been duely served and wondered why there were no appearances.
The Plaintiff, who was one of the aspirants, Dr Babatunde Adaniken said he approached the court to correct the illegality in the conduct of the primary election into the seat of the House of Representatives for Akoko SouthEast/South-West Federal Constituency by the All Progressives Congress APC.
Dr Adaniken called on the party leadership to respect the decisions of the Appeal Committee on the primary election which recommended fresh election in the federal Constituency due to irregularities in the initial conduct where it was moved from it designated venue, St. Patrick College Iwaro Oka to a different jurisdiction, International event centre, Dome in Akure.
The aggrieved aspirant said the National leadership of the APC had sent Committee to conduct the fresh primary election but alleged that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu refused the committee on the condition that he could not guaranteed their safety.
He appealed to the Governor and other party leadership to allow credibility in the emergence of party flag bearers ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Meanwhile the Federal High Court has also fixed hearing in the suit between Dr Victor Ategbole and respondents, Mr Gboyega Adefarati, APC, INEC, APC Chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin to July 14, 2022.