Court stops INEC from issuing winner of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial election

Senator Godswill Akpabio has acquired a court injunction which stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from issuing return certificate to winner of the Akwa Ibom North West senatorial election.

Business Day reports that a Federal High Court in Apo, Abuja on Friday, March 1 ordered INEC to stay action on the issuance of certificate of return to any candidate pending when the lawsuit brought before it.

According to the report, Justice Valentine Ashi issued the order after an application with suit No. FCT/HC/M/2680/19 was filed by Senator Godswill Akpabio with INEC as the respondent.

It reported further that an exparte motion dated February 28 with an affidavit deposed to by one Daniel Michael Idoko was filed on March 1.

In the motion, Senator Akpabio prayed the court for leave to apply for “judicial review for the issuance of writ of Mandamus, prohibition, injunction and other declaratory reliefs against INEC.

Akpabio also asked the court to direct the respondent to stay further action ”particularly further action in respect of issuance of certificate of return to any candidate in respect of the seat of senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial district on the account of election held on the 23rd February, 2029.”

The court granted the order, saying there was “some merit especially in regards to the need to keep things in status quo”

The court ordered that “Leave is hereby granted to the applicant to apply for judicial review for the issuance of a writ of Mandamus prohibition injunction and other declaratory reliefs against the respondent”

The court adjourned to March 8 for hearing of the case.