Appeal Court Judgment: Godswill Akpabio May Go to S- Court

Starrys Obazei/November 15, 2022.

Godswill Akpabio, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has said he would approach the Supreme Court to seek redress over an Appeal Court judgment nullifying his election as the All Progressives Congress candidate for Akwa Ibom North West in the 2023 poll.

Akpabio, who is also the vice chairman of the APC presidential campaign council, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Uyo.

The judgment disqualifying Akpabio was made on Monday evening in the Federal Capital Territory.

“My attention has been drawn to the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, directing INEC to delist my name from its list as the APC senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the 2023 elections.

“It is instructive to mention that I was not a party in the said appeal, though orders were made against me and my interest.

“Whilst awaiting a copy of the said judgment to be made available to me and any other interested party, it is important to state that I am a lawyer by training and a law-abiding citizen of this country and I am bound by our laws and judgments emanating from our courts, including the one under reference.

“My lawyers on my advice and brief have commenced the scrutiny of the contents of the judgment as read, for the purposes of seeking appropriate legal redress. I am aware that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has the final say in these matters,” he said.

He added: “I, therefore, strongly advise my supporters, APC members, and all my constituents to remain calm and law-abiding, as they continue their campaigns for the successes of the APC in Akwa Ibom North West, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.”