By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Court dismisses suit against Akpata’s candidacy
Court dismisses suit against Akpata’s candidacy
The Federal High Court in Benin has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Olumide Akpata as the Labour Party governorship candidate for the September 21 election in Edo State. Justice Babatunde Quadri ruled on Monday that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by Kenneth Imasuagbon, who had contested with Akpata for the LP governorship ticket.
The court found that Imasuagbon failed to exhaust the internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the Labour Party before taking legal action. Furthermore, the court noted that Imasuagbon’s claim that Akpata had not signed the indemnity form was statute-barred. Justice Quadri declared the lawsuit premature and without substantial evidence.
“This court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the suit; it lacks merit and is based on speculation. The claimant failed to exhaust the internal dispute resolution of the party before seeking legal action, hence, robbing the court of jurisdiction. The claim that Akpata did not sign the indemnity form is status-barred and therefore the court lacks jurisdiction,” the judge stated.
Court Dismisses Suit Against Akpata’s Candidacy