2011 Imo Supplementary Election: Court Shocks Araraume, Grants APGA'S Request

The Appeal court sitting in Owerri, yesterday (Thursday, 7th November, 2012) granted the request of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in the matter brought before it by Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, the Imo ACN governorship candidate in the 2011 supplementary election.

Araraume is challenging the validity of the polls which he believes is inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The presiding judge, Hon Justice Muktar after listening to oral and documented fire works from contending parties ordered for a stay of execution as it adjourned   on the matter pending the determination of the suit brought to the Supreme Court by Governor Rochas Okorocha on the same issue.

Governor Okorocha had proceeded to the nation’s apex court challenging Appeal court’s decision to allow former Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim and PDP to join the suit. It will be recalled that the Appeal court, a fortnight ago admitted the plea of ex-Governor Ohakim and PDP to join the matter as an interested party.

According to legal pundits, this changed the colouration of the case, a development which played out yesterday at the Appeal court, Owerri.

The decision of the court sent smiles on the faces of hundreds of top government functionaries and supporters who stormed the court premises as early as 6am.

Aside the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, every other government functionary was sighted within the court premises, with their supporter and party members.