Austin Utuk vs Akanimo Udofia: Court Summons INEC, Winner Of Disputed A/Ibom APC Gov. Primary

The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, under Justice A. A. Okeke has directed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mr Akanimo Udofia, the disputed winner of the APC governorship primary, be served court summons in the case between them and Mr Augustine Dominic Utuk, who contested in the governorship primary.

The presiding judge, Justice Okeke in his ruling on the case with suit No. FHC/UY/CS/115/2022 on Wednesday, said as a time-bound case, all parties in the suit must cooperate with the court to ensure justice is served on time.

Lead Counsel to the applicant, Golden Tamuno commended the judge for advocating for timely prosecution of the case.

He assured the court that he will cooperate with the court to ensure that all defendants are served before July 5, 2022, which is the adjourned date.

Mr Augustine Utuk is seeking the nullification of the APC governorship primaries that produced Mr Akan Udofia as the winner, citing alleged flouting of the Electoral Act 2022 and the eligibility of the alleged winner.

Mr Utuk is also asking the court to order a re-conduct of the Primaries in line with party guidelines and the law.

The plaintiff is represented in court by Golden Tamuno, A. E. Attih, Emeka Ojunta, D. A. Olukaraka and D. M. Osene.