An Abuja Federal High Court has set March 4, to deliver judgement in a suit filed by Kano State governorship candidate, Mohammed Sani Abacha challenging the failure of the party to submit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the governorship primary election which held on January 12.
Abacha had on February 2, sued CPC alongside INEC, Brigadier General Lawal Ja’afaru Isa and Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), CPC’s Board of Trustees chairman and presidential candidate. Buhari’s name was however struck out of the suit on February 7, on Abacha’s instructions.
He is asking the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Lawal Ja’afar Isa as the party’s flag bearer in the April 16, 2011 general election not having emerged in accordance with the Electoral Act (2010).
He is also seeking an order of interlocutory injunction restraining CPC and INEC from recognizing anyone other than him as the candidate of the party for the April 16, 2011 governorship election.
Meanwhile, counsel to CPC, A.B Mahmud yesterday told the court that the results of the primary elections conducted were not actually declared due to irregularities and violence which occurred in some parts of the state.
He told the court that out of 44 local governments where elections were conducted, 23 were nullified, including that of the plaintiff.
But counsel to Abacha, Abdullahi Haruna said his client was disqualified on a basis of bribery allegations, which he said has nothing to do with his client being disqualified as he has not been proven guilty.
Like Mahmud, counsel to Isa told the court that violence and irregularities were demonstrated by Abacha’s supporters at the venue where the primaries were conducted.
He also said the plaintiff allegedly offered one million naira bribe to some INEC officials in order to be recognized as governorship candidate.
He urged the court to discountenance submissions of the plaintiff and dismiss his claims.
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Kano CPC: Court sets March 4 for judgement