Etim EtimIt’s confirmed and it’s true: The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the nomination of Umo Eno as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State and replaced him with Hon. Michael Enyong, a House of Representatives member.
In a judgement delivered on 20th January 2023, Hon. Justice Fadima Murtala Aminu ordered that Hon. Enyong is the duly elected candidate of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State.
“In the final analysis, this honourable Court holds that the plaintiff (Hon. Michael Enyong) has successfully proved his case on the preponderance of the evidence. Consequently, the plaintiff is hereby declared the validly nominated gubernatorial candidate of the second defendant (PDP) having emerged winner of the conducted primary election in Akwa Ibom State for the forthcoming 2023 General Elections held on the 25th day of May 2022,’’ the Court pronounced.
With this, Umo Eno will not stand for election in Akwa Ibom State. Although he has rushed to Abuja to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal, I can’t see how the judgement would be given before the March 11 election.
My Take
1. The chances of PDP winning the election are further damaged by the latest legal setback suffered by Umo Eno. Although Umo Eno was a very unpopular candidate, it is unlikely that Hon. Enyong (popularly known as Babantan) would attract the support of his party members. Enyong has his own baggage.
2. OBA’s conviction remains a major stumbling block for him in his aspiration to govern the state. Even if he stands for the election, he would never be sworn in unless the conviction is upturned.
3. The recent Court of Appeal judgement and the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday, have established that APC has no governorship candidate. Both Akan Udofia and Senator Ita Enang will further slug it out at the Supreme Court. Until the apex court gives its ruling, APC has no candidate.
4. This, therefore, leaves Senator J.J. Udoedehe of NNPP as the sole candidate in this race. Udoedehe is the only major candidate without any blemish or manacle hanging on his neck. Udoedehe will therefore be the only serious candidate that would be participating in the NUJ Governorship Debate on Sunday.
PS: I have the certified true copy of the Federal High Court judgement that nullifies the nomination of Umo Eno as the PDP candidate. Get in touch with me if you need a copy.
Etim Etim
ETIM ETIM is a journalist, banker and author. He has been a member of the Editorial Board of The Guardian, a Regional Manager in Access Bank and is currently a Columnist in Prime Business Africa, The Cable and Businessday newspapers.
He is also the Chief Executive of Stein Meyer Communications, a major media consultancy and the author of the best-selling book, "Akwa Ibom Heroes: Inside Story of the Fight for Abrogation of Onshore-Offshore Oil Dichotomy" and co-author of another book, "Osinbajo Strides: Defining Moments of an Innovative Leader".
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