Court gives update on case seeking Ayade’s removal as Governor

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit challenging the defection of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, from the People’s Democratic party to the All Progressives Congress.

The suit filed the PDP, through its counsel Emmanuel Ukala, had sought an order sacking the governor and his deputy over their defection. This development is coming after 20 lawmakers were sacked in Cross River over their defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The case was filed against Ayade and his deputy was fixed for judgement today. Justice Taiwo Taiwo rescheduled the case the 6th of April 2022.

The court did not give any reason why it will not be sitting on the matter on Friday.

The suit filed by PDP sought the following; “A declaration that in view of the provisions of section 221 of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the democratic system of governance operated in Nigeria, votes at the election and elections are won by political parties and not their candidate or the candidates sponsored at the election by the political parties”.

“INEC should immediately receive from the plaintiff (PDP), the name of its candidates to replace the 3rd and 4th defendants (Ayade and Esu) for the purpose of utilising the lawful votes cast in favour of the plaintiff or in the alternative directing the 1st defendant to hold a gubernatorial election for Cross River State in accordance with Section 177 of the Constitution excluding the 3rd and 4th defendants who are disqualified from participating in the election by virtue of Section 192 (1) (b) of the Constitution) arising from abandonment of the majority lawful votes and the offices.”