The judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria confirming Hon Frank Ibezim as the authentic flag bearer of the All Progressive Congress, APC, may be a short -lived victory as another encumbrance lies on the way.
After quantum of battles with other competitors to the APC ticket for Okigwe Zone bye election, Ibezim braced the odds to emerge victorious as the apex court ruled in his favour last Friday.
However, there is a setback on his way to be handed the Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and subsequent inauguration in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly.
An Abuja Federal High Court on December 4, 2020 disqualified Ibezim on the grounds that he presented false credentials to his party, the APC and INEC.
Ibezim challenged the Federal High Court decision which wasn’t granted. Instead the Appeal upheld banning him from holding positions.
Trumpeta learnt that the refusal of the Appeal poses more threat to his being inaugurated in the Senate. It was gathered that apparently aware of the implications of the appeal, INEC may not offer him the Certificate of Return because of the decision of the Federal High Court banning him from holding positions.
Sources in Ibezim camp reveal that the APC candidate has no other option to save his mandate than going to Supreme Court for final decision.
There are strong indications that if Ibezim doesn’t vacate the Federal High Court, Abuja order that he wasn’t qualified to run for the office, then chances of becoming a senator is slim.
