High Court Stops Uche Ogah’s Swearing-in as Governor of Abia State

Yesterday, the governorship saga in Abia State took a drastic turn as a High Court sitting in Osisioma issued an injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from issuing a certificate of return to Sampson Uche Ogah who was declared substantive governor by an FCT High Court on Wednesday.

According to Vanguard reports, the court also restrained the Chief Judge of the state from swearing him in while ordering status quo to be maintained pending the determination of motion on notice.

In granting the order, Justice C.H Ahuchaogu cited section 143 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), countering the reasons advanced by INEC for its decision to issue a Certificate of Return to Mr Uche Ogah who was runner-up at the last PDP gubernatorial primaries in Abia State.

INEC National Commissioner in charge of the South East, Amb. Lawrence Nwuruku said the commission only obeyed the ruling of the Abuja High Court on the matter.

Meanwhile, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who had filed an the putative appeal against the ruling expressed shock at the hurry at which INEC issued a certificate of return to his rival.

The governor had in a statement on Thursday urged the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding despite the unexpected turn of events.