Abati Says Legal Battle Over Uzodimma's Senatorial Candidacy Is Not Over as APC Plans Appeal

Former presidential aide Reuben Abati has said the legal dispute surrounding Governor Hope Uzodimma's candidacy for the Imo West Senatorial District election is not yet over, following a court ruling that nullified his candidacy.

Abati made the remarks on Friday while discussing the judgement on Arise Television's Morning Show.

He explained that the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had indicated its intention to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The controversy involves former Imo State Governor and Senator Rochas Okorocha, who challenged Uzodimma's candidacy.

According to Abati, the APC has raised concerns about Section 285 of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly the requirement that pre-election cases must be filed within 14 days.

The party reportedly argued that Okorocha failed to institute his legal action within the constitutionally prescribed period.

However, Abati cautioned against reaching conclusions about the case without carefully examining the full judgement.

He noted that the Court of Appeal would have an opportunity to consider several legal issues, including the timing of the case, court procedures, technical questions and the evidence presented before the lower court.

Abati explained that the appellate court would determine whether the legal process followed in the case was appropriate.

He said the dispute was therefore not concluded because the APC still had the option of appealing the decision.

The former presidential aide also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the judgement, referring to the expression "the voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau".

The expression was used in discussing concerns raised by some people about possible influence over the judiciary.

However, Abati warned against making unsupported claims about external interference in judicial proceedings.

He maintained that such concerns should not be treated as established facts without evidence.

Abati further stressed that the legal arguments raised by the Imo APC should be addressed through the proper judicial process rather than speculation.

The planned appeal could therefore become another important stage in the dispute involving Uzodimma and Okorocha.

The Court of Appeal will have the opportunity to examine the issues presented by the parties and determine whether the lower court's decision should stand or be overturned.