The Supreme Court of Nigeria has, for the second time, adjourned the hearing of the application seeking the review of its February 13, 2020 judgement that upturned the outcome of the 2019 Imo State Governorship Election
The application was filed by Emeka Ihedioha, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on February 5, 2020 and it seeks a review of its judgement that removed him from office seven month after inauguration as Imo State Governor.
Based on the now infamous judgement which the PDP and its candidate alleged was fraudulently obtained, Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress was installed as Ihedioha’s replacement.
The application for the review of the judgement was earlier adjourned from Tuesday, February 18 to today, March 2 for hearing on the request of Ihedioha’s lawyer.
Today’s hearing was however, further adjourned till Tuesday, following another request by Ihedioha’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).
According to Agabi, “The matter was adjourned till today for hearing. But incidentally, we were served a process by the respondents in court this morning, which we must look at in order to respond.
“If it is convenient to you my lords, permit us to come back tomorrow (Tuesday) so that we can look at the issues that may arise.”
Damien Dodo (SAN), Uzodinma’s lawyer, in his response said applicants were served Monday morning because they only filed and served their papers last Friday and that he was ready to proceed if not for Agabi’s request.
Tanimu Inuwa, counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also said he was ready to proceed with the hearing but the panel decided to adjourn the hearing till Tuesday.
The panel hearing the application is composed of seven Justices, namely: Chief Justice of Nigeria Tanko Muhammad, and Justices Sylvester Ngwuta, Olukayode Ariwoola, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Amina Augie, and Uwani Abba-Aji.