Court fixes June 11 to determine procedure for primary election in Edo

The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State capital, has asked all parties concerned in a suit before it, seeking an order to restrain the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from adopting direct primary in picking its candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, to stay clear of it pending the determination of the case.

The court on Monday fixed June 11, 2020 for determination of the suit.

A document sighted by The DEFENDER read as follows:

“FHC/B/CS/48/2020 Kenneth O. Asekomhe & Anor Vs APC & 3 Ors., wherein we represent the Plaintiffs came up today 8th June, 2020, before Hon. Justice Umar of the FHC Benin for hearing following the Order of Court directing the Defendants to show cause why the Orders sought in our exparte application should not be granted.

“At the proceedings, various issues were raised to stall the hearing, there was a pending application for joinder which was argued to take priority. The 1st and 2nd Defendants also argued that they have filed Notices of Preliminary Objection which should also take priority.

“Following the consideration of arguments by Counsel to parties, the Court delivered its Ruling and Ordered as follows;

1.All parties in the suit and their privies are hereby ordered not to do anything or proceed with any action relating to or concerning the procedure to be adopted or used by the 1st Defendant to conduct or hold the 1st Defendant primary election coming up next as scheduled pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

2. That all applications in this suit and the response of parties shall be heard alongside the originating summons.

3. That parties are hereby directed to file and serve their responses if any, to the processes served on them within 2days from today.

4. That the Hearing of this suit is fixed for Thursday, 11th June, 2020, for hearing of all pending applications together with Originating Summons.