The Federal High Court, has approved the relocation of the case filed by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a governorship aspirant, from Abuja to Ondo State.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) had formally requested the transfer of the case to Akure Division of the court
The Ibrahim’s suit is challenging the validity of the primary election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the party’s candidate for the upcoming November election.
In a letter penned by APC’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, the party emphasized the convenience of conducting proceedings in Ondo State, as both the plaintiff and defendants are based there.
Additionally, the presence of a Federal High Court in Ondo state was cited as a logistical advantage.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim initiated the suit on May 3, 2024, at the Abuja Division of the Court, seeking to invalidate the primary election results.
Named as defendants in the suit are the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing APC, informed the Court about the filed Memorandum of Conditional Appearance and the letter requesting the case’s transfer to Akure Division, in line with the Practice Direction issued by the Chief Judge.
Representatives for Governor Aiyedatiwa and INEC echoed the idea of transferring the case to Akure, where the primary election occurred.
However, According to a notice issued by the Aide to the Chef Judge of the Federal High Court, “I am directed by His Lordship, the Honourable, The Chief Judge to inform you that action has been taken by transferring this case to the Federal High Court, Akure, after considering the Reply from Chief Chris Uche, SAN of Counsel for the Plaintiff, to the 1” Defendant’s application.
“Please, accept the esteemed regards of His Lordship, the Hon., The Chief Judge.”
