2023: Umeh pledges to appeal disqualification
Sen. Victor Umeh, candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for Anambra Central Senatorial District in Anambra, says he will appeal the Court judgement which disqualified him from contesting the Feb. 25 election.
Umeh said the judgement was on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Sen. Uche Ekwunife.
Umeh, in a statement issued in Awka on Sunday, said he is completely dissatisfied with the Judgment and hereby rejects it.
He said the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to challenge his nomination.
“Yesterday, news of my disqualification from the election on the orders of the Federal High Court, Awka, presided over by Justice H. A. Ngajiwa, in a suit filed by the PDP and Ekwunife, challenging my Nomination as LP candidate dominated the social media.
“I elected to issue this statement to reduce the palpable anxiety gripping a broad spectrum of Anambra Central people and many Nigerians.
“I have read this morning, the Judgment and without going deep into the details of the Judgment, I wish to let the general public know that I am completely dissatisfied with the Judgment and hereby reject the same.
“Sen Uche Ekwunife and the PDP clearly do not have locus standi to challenge my nomination in the LP in accordance with the Extant Laws and therefore, the Judgment was delivered without Jurisdiction,” he stated.
Umeh said the Judge had earlier dismissed the suit filed by Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah and the YPP which challenged the nomination of Hon. Chris Azubogu as the Candidate of APGA for Anambra South Senatorial District for lack of locus and meddlesome.
He wondered why the Judge would hand down a different judgement on a matter that is similar.
“My lawyers and those of the LP have been instructed to file Appeals against the Judgment.
“I thank my numerous Supporters and well wishers and I urge all to remain calm.
“I have confidence that the Court of Appeal will redress the wrong,” he stated.
Nganjiwa had on Jan. 27 disqualified Umeh on the grounds of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, noting that there was no evidence that the resignation letter by Umeh was received by APGA. (NAN)
