Anamero Sunday Dekeri, a member of the House of Representatives, has taken legal action over the controversial outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in Edo State.
Dekeri has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to be officially declared as the party’s gubernatorial candidate.
The APC primary, held on February 17, was marred by confusion as three different candidates were declared winners by various officials.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who initially headed the primary election committee, announced Dennis Idahosa as the winner. However, the returning officer, Stanley Ugboaje, declared Senator Monday Okpepholo as the winner, triggering a dispute amongst the aspirants.
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/299/2024, Dekeri is seeking to be officially recognised as the party’s gubernatorial candidate
Despite Okpepholo being declared the winner in a subsequent election held on February 22 and receiving the certificate of return, Dekeri’s legal team, led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Joseph Nwobike and Henry Akunebo, along with 10 others, argued that the declaration was invalid and in breach of the 1999 Constitution and Section 84(13) of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended.
Dekeri wants the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC to acknowledge him as the rightful winner of the primary.
A hearing date is yet to be fixed as the legal battle unfolds.