Supreme Court Delays Sen Smart Adeyemi’s Appeal on Kogi APC Primary Election

Supreme Court Delays Sen Smart Adeyemi’s Appeal on Kogi APC Primary Election

The Supreme Court has decided to postpone an appeal filed by Senator Smart Adeyemi challenging the judgments of lower courts regarding the Kogi All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship primary election.

The new date for judgment has been set for October 23, 2023.

Adeyemi’s Lawsuit Against APC Primary

Senator Smart Adeyemi initiated a lawsuit at the Federal High Court seeking the annulment of the APC primary election that led to Usman Ododo’s emergence as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the November 11 election.

Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal dismissed the case, citing a lack of merit.

Supreme Court’s Observation

The Supreme Court informed Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, the attorney representing Senator Adeyemi, that his client had not raised objections to the concurrent findings of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, both of which affirmed the occurrence of primary elections in Kogi State.

Adeyemi’s Attorney’s Response

Despite this observation, the appellant’s attorney declared his intention to proceed with the appeal.

Consequently, Justice Inyang Okoro postponed the final decision on the appeal until October 23, 2023.

Representation in Court

In the courtroom, SAN Abdulwahab Mohammed represented the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Anthony Adeniyi represented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Mr. Usman Ododo, the APC’s governorship candidate, was represented by Abdullahi, SAN.

Court of Appeal’s Previous Decision

Adekunle Oladapo Otitoju had argued Senator Adeyemi’s appeal before the Court of Appeal on August 18, 2023, where it was unanimously found to lack merit.

The Court concluded that Adeyemi had failed to substantiate serious criminal claims against the APC and its leaders regarding the handling of the primary election.

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