APGA Leadership Crisis: Tension, as Kano appeal court resumes sitting
Feelers have revealed that the Chief Victor Oye leadership of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have been engulfed with palpable tension since the resumed court hearing on the leadership crisis of the party at appeal in Kano on Thursday.
The notice of appeal signed by Wole Olanipekun, also had the names of Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, Patrick IN Ikwueto, Ken Mozia, Bode Olanipekun and seven other lawyers listed as appellants’ counsel, was filed on July 30.
However, Jude Okeke-led leadership argued that the Appeal is clearly outside the 14 days duration provided by the Constitution for an appeal in a pre-election matter to be filed.
The judgment of Justice Musa Ubale of the Jigawa High Court being appealed against was delivered on June 30.
Last Friday, the Special Panel of the Court, while delivering its ruling in a motion filed by Edozie Njoku seeking leave to appeal as an interested person, struck out the Motion for having been filed out of time as it was filed on the 22nd July, 2021 more than 7 days after the constitutionally required 14 days within which to file any appeal to a pre-election matter.
The development has become a source of worry for the Oye and Chukwuma Soludo camp who fear that their case will also be thrown out.
Party chieftain who spoke in confidence said the mistake by the legal team could prove costly.
He said that the legal team for some inexplicable reason withdrew the Notice of Appeal filed within time on 6th July and correctly at the High court Registry for one which was filed out of time on 30th July and wrongly filed at the Court of Appeal.
He said, “Having struck out Chief Edozie Njoku’s Motion, the Court of Appeal is also expected to strike out the Notice of Appeal filed on behalf of Oye.
“The implication of this will mean that the dreams of the Oye led APGA and Governor Willie Obiano to ensure that Prof. Charles Soludo emerges as the candidate of APGA is dimmed and clears the coast for Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji who has been listed by INEC.”
