Skip to main content Skip to footer 
The Federal High Court in Benin, Edo State, dismissed a lawsuit on Monday filed by Kenneth Imasuagbon, contesting the candidacy of Olumide Akpata as the Labour Party’s (LP) governorship candidate for the 2024 elections.
Justice Babatunde Quadri ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, stating that it was based on speculation and lacked merit. The court noted that Imasuagbon had failed to exhaust the Labour Party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms prior to seeking legal recourse.
The judge emphasized that Imasuagbon’s claim regarding Akpata’s failure to sign the indemnity form was statute-barred, further affirming the court’s lack of jurisdiction. The court deemed the lawsuit premature and lacking substantial evidence.
In the judgment, Justice Quadri stated, “This court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the suit. It lacks merit and is based on speculation. The claimant failed to exhaust the internal dispute resolution of the party before seeking legal action.”
The ruling supports Akpata’s position as the LP candidate for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Previously, Imasuagbon had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge Akpata’s nomination, alleging that the LP did not adhere to electoral guidelines during the primaries, which he claimed were marred by irregularities, including over-voting.
Akpata was declared the winner of the primaries held on February 23, conducted by the Julius Abure faction of the LP, defeating Imasuagbon and four others. However, a different faction, led by Lamidi Apapa, had submitted names for the governorship candidate and running mate to the Independent National Electoral Commission prior to the primaries.
