Anambra Guber: INEC Rejects Uba, Nwoye, Picks Ukachukwu as PDP Candidate

Posted by African Examiner Anambra Election, Femi Kehinde, Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

By Femi Kehinde,

INEC Chairman Pro. Attahiru Jega

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed Nicholas Chukwuejekwu Ukachukwu as the governorship candidate of the PDP in November poll in accordance with the latest order as delivered by the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/296/2013 – Nicholas Chukwuejekwu Ukachukwu vs. Dr. Tony Nwoye & 3 Ors.

It rejected the candidature of Senator Andy Uba and Dr Tony Nwoye who are also candidate of PDP in other factions. The PDP had last week urged INEC to ignore Ukachukwu’s court order and instead recognise its candidate, Dr. Tony Nwoye

In a statement on Tuesday, by INEC chief press secretary, Kayode Idowu, the commission said 23 political parties presented candidates for the election.

The statement reads, “In line with the provisions of Section 31 (3) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has today, September 24th, 2013, published the Form CF001 (Personal Particulars of Candidate) of candidates nominated by political parties for the November 16th Governorship Election in Anambra State. The comprehensive list as signed by the Secretary to the Commission is attached and has been placed on the Commission’s website.

“A total of 23 political parties nominated candidates for the governorship and deputy governorship slots. Two political parties, namely the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had issues with the candidates they intend to sponsor before the closure of nominations on September 17th, 2013. But the Federal High Court in Awka eased the contention over APGA’s nomination by vacating its order directing the Commission to accept two governorship candidates from the party.

“For the PDP, the Commission resolved to list Nicholas Chukwuejekwu Ukachukwu as the governorship candidate in accordance with the latest order as delivered by the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/296/2013 – Nicholas Chukwuejekwu Ukachukwu vs. Dr. Tony Nwoye & 3 Ors.

“The Commission hereby advises political parties and their members that only those on the list published by it are allowed to conduct electioneering campaigns. Any violation of this rule amounts to an electoral offence and security agencies are urged to intervene as such”