The widespread crisis that trailed the All Progressive Congress (APC) primaries in Kogi State is yet to abate as one of the aggrieved aspirants in Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, Hon Daniel Ejigbo, has dragged the party, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Hon Benjamin Ikani Okolo to court.
Hon Ejigbo, in suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeks the court declaration that the nomination of Benjamin Ikani Okolo as APC House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa constituency is null and void.
In his prayers, Ejigbo argued whether upon the interpretation of Section 87(1)(4)(c)(i)(ii) of the Electoral Act (as amended) the party, APC, can unilaterally nominate and forward the name of Benjamin Ikani Okolo from among other aspirants to INEC as its candidate to contest the 2015 general election in the Federal House of Representative representing Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency of Kogi State without first conducting primary elections.
He also sought the court to decide whether upon the interpretation of Article 2 and Article 20 (i) & (iii) of the All Progressive Congress constitution 2014 and APC 2014 guidelines for the nomination of candidates for public office the APC can nominate and forward the name of Benjamin Ikani Okolo to INEC as its candidate to contest the 2015 election.
Among other prayers, Daniel Ejigbo ask the court to direct INEC to immediately remove Benjamin Ikani Okolo from the INEC published list of candidates contesting in the 2015 general elections for the office of the Federal House of Representatives representing Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency of Kogi State.
Recent judgements nullifying candidature of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senate candidates in Ondo state gives Daniel Ejigbo much hope in the litigation against Ikani Okolo.
