By Chidimma Okwara,
A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has delivered a landmark judgment, nullifying the recent local government council elections held in the state. The ruling effectively sacks all sitting council chairmen and councillors across the thirteen local government areas of Ebonyi State.
The judgment, delivered by Justice [Insert Judge’s Name – Placeholder for factual accuracy], centered on the grounds that the exercise was conducted in non-compliance with both the Electoral Act and the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The primary contention cited was the alleged unlawful exclusion of one or more political parties from participating in the poll by the State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC).
The legal challenge was reportedly brought forward by an aggrieved political party, which argued that EBSIEC failed to adhere to due process, thereby rendering the entire election fundamentally flawed.
The court held that the exclusion of eligible political parties violated their constitutional right to participate in the democratic process.
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The court found significant instances of non-compliance with the procedural mandates outlined in the Electoral Act, which are designed to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.
The court has ordered the state government to conduct fresh local government elections in accordance with the law, though it did not immediately specify a timeline.
The immediate consequence of the ruling is the creation of a political and administrative vacuum at the grassroots level. All elected officials—the thirteen council chairmen and their respective councillors—have been legally removed from office with immediate effect.
The ruling deals a significant blow to the ruling party in the state, which had secured sweeping victories in the annulled polls. The political landscape in Ebonyi is now expected to become highly volatile as parties begin positioning themselves for the newly mandated re-run elections.
Experts suggest that the state government is likely to appeal the judgment immediately. Until the outcome of any appeal or the conduct of new polls, the state governor will likely need to appoint caretaker committees to manage the affairs of the local government councils to prevent a complete collapse of grassroots administration.
This judicial intervention serves as a powerful affirmation of the judiciary’s role in sanitizing the electoral process and enforcing strict adherence to constitutional and statutory guidelines by electoral bodies.
Following the latest ruling, the current council officials are expected to vacate their offices immediately. The affected council chairmen include are:
Following the latest ruling, the current council officials are expected to vacate their offices immediately. The affected council chairmen include are:
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- Abakaliki – Chief (Hon) Nwogba Ebere Stephen
- Afikpo North – ENGR Timothy Nwachi
- Afikpo South (Edda) – Chima Ekumankama
- Ebonyi – Hon. Barr Chinedu Uburu
- Ezza North – Mr Moses Ogodo-Ali Nomeh
- Ezza South – Mrs. Euphemia Nwali
- Ikwo – Barr. Sunday Nwankwo
- Ishielu – Agwu Peace Ifeoma
- Ivo – Hon chief Ajah Emmanuel Ogbonna
- Izzi – Hon. Barrister Emenike Steve
- Ohaozara – Hon. Ajah Chinonso
- Ohaukwu – Hon.Prince.Odono Ikechukwu Onwe-Odogwu
- Onicha – Hon. Ikechukwu Ogboffia
