By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Following the judgement of a Federal High Court in Abuja that sacked Dave Umahi, and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe as governor and Deputy governor of Ebonyi state as well as 17 other lawmakers, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nominated Iduma Enwo Igariwey as replacement for Governor David Umahiand Mr Fred Udeogu as deputy governor.
Recall that Gov. Umahi, his deputy and the 17 lawmakers who were elected on the PDP platform defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 17, 2020, citing “injustice done to the South-East” as reason for defection.
The party Chairman Sen. Iyorchia Ayu in a press conference on Tuesday at the party’s headquarters described the judgement as a landmark judgement which has restored decency and hope on the judiciary.
The party further praised Justice Inyang Ekwo for his courage and asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return handed over to the embattled governor and his Deputy.
The party boss said that the ruling will bring order in the political space and check issue of political rascality and stolen mandates just as he affirmed that the judiciary is indeed the backbone of democracy.
He said that Justice Ekwo was courageous and forthright in going for the substance of the law rather than the technicalities.
“And determined to reclaim our stolen mandates, the PDP had sued them and joined both the APC and INEC in the suit. We had prayed the court to declare that by defecting from the PDP, on whose platform they were sponsored and elected, Umahi, Igwe and the 17 lawmakers had resigned or deemed to have resigned from office on the day of their defections. And the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, gave the PDP and democracy justice today.
“In a landmark judgement, the court ruled that “the votes in any election in Nigeria are to political parties, and not candidates.”
“Justice Ekwo consequently ordered all the affected persons to vacate office. He also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to receive names of candidates from the PDP to replace Messrs Umahi and Igwe.
“And in line with the court order, PDP is immediately submitting to INEC the names of our candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi state respectively.
“We are also calling on INEC to immediately issue the Certificates of Return to the PDP nominees as replacement for Messrs Umahi and Igwe pursuant to the Order of the Honourable Court.
“Furthermore, we call on the Chief Judge of Ebonyi state to immediately swear them in as soon as INEC issues the requisites Certificates of Return.
“And lastly, we call on INEC to immediately withdraw the Certificates of Return from the 17 lawmakers and commence the process of conducting bye-elections to replace them” Ayu said.
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