The Federal High Court judge presiding over the case between the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ARNP) and the Independent National Electotal Commission (INEC) has mulled transferring the case to a court handling similar cases,to prevent a clash of interest for the court.
The judge made this position known when the case was heard on Monday at the FHC.
ABUNDANT NIGERIA RENEWAL PARTY (ANRP) V INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC)
FHC/ABJ/CS/405/2020
Both ANRP and INEC were represented in the matter by their counsels, even though physical distancing rules ensured not more than 2 counsels and 1 litigant appeared in court in respect of the matter.
Counsel to ANRP, Ebere Okonkwo,FCIS, informed the court that service of processes have been effected, ostensibly resulting in the presence of the INEC counsel in court.
The honourable Justice I. Ojukwu, thereafter, informed both counsel that the matter being founded on the deregistration of political parties, may be transfered to another court that is handling similar cases to avoid conflicting decisions of the FHC on the same matter.
ANRP argued that the grounds of the present suit was generic and, in the main, challenges the validity, not just of the purported deregistration but also the Fourth Alteration Act of the Constitution. Also, he added that the other cases before the Federal High Court had gone too far in their hearing that any hope of consolidation or joinder would be impracticable.
He further argued that the ANRP is secured in the independence of judgement of the honourable court and hopes to rely on it.
The court directed that the matter be adjourned for further mention to allow the court and counsels decide one way or the other on the issue of transfer.
By agreement of counsel and order of the court, the matter was adjourned till 27th May 2020 for further mention and decision on transfer.
