👤 Uthman Muhammed, DENISAURUS News
The court challenge Governor Rochas Okorocha made against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, took an unexpected turn when the Federal High Court Judge presiding over the matter in Abuja, disqualified himself.
READ ALSO : DISCIPLINARY PANEL Indicts OKOROCHA, Suspends Him Over “Gross Anti-Party Activities”
The outgoing governor who brought over case following the non-issuance of his Certificate of Return as the Senator- elect for Imo West Senatorial District has also fallen out of favour from the ruling party over his anti-party activities.
READ ALSO : Outgoing Governor Of Ogun, Ibikunle Amosun, SUSPENDED From APC Over Anti-Party Activities
In the suit filed FHC/ABJ/CS/296/2019, the Imo state Governor is requesting that INEC be compelled to issue him with a certificate of return. But, the electoral body has so far refused, claiming that Francis Ibeawuchi, the electoral officer who announced Governor Okorocha has winner of the February 23 election did so under duress.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo who decided to recuse himself from the case on Wednesday, said it was based on a petition written against him by candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The Judge has now returned the case back to the Chief Justice.
READ ALSO : Emeka Ihedioha Elected As PDP’s Governorship Candidate In Imo