The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court Uyo, which had nullified the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary held on May 26, 2022.
The primary had produced Akanimo Udofia as the flag bearer of the party in Akwa Ibom State for the forthcoming general elections.
Senator Ita Enang had challenged the outcome of the primary which led to its nullification by Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court Uyo.
Unsatisfied by the decision of the court, the APC filed an appeal challenging the judgment.
But delivering judgment, the appellate court held that, having resolved the issues raised by the appellant (APC) and the respondents in their briefs of argument, the Federal High Court Uyo wrongly assumed jurisdictions to hear the suit contrary to provisions of section 97 and 98 of the Sheriffs Act.
Consequently, the three-man panel of the appellate court unanimously set aside the judgement delivered by Justice Agatha Okeke having been delivered without jurisdictions.
The appellate court also allowed the appeal by APC against Augustine Akpan, who had challenged the result of the APC governorship primary election, held on May 26.
The panel said the appeal by APC had merit and is hereby allowed, adding that the lower court, having no jurisdiction to hear the suit, the reliefs and consequential orders granted cannot stand.