The Supreme Court on Friday, voided the candidature of Uche Nwosu as governorship flag bearer of the Action Alliance (AA) in the 2019 general elections in Imo, over double nomination.
The apex court, in its judgment delivered by Justice Adamu Augie, upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the court had, about two months’ ago, upheld the decision of the Federal High Court which also voided Nwosu’s candidature.
A chieftain of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Mr Uche Nnadi, had dragged Nwosu to the Federal High Court where the court held that he was not qualified to stand for the election.
The court based its verdict on the fact that Nwosu already had a valid ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Unsatisfied with the ruling of the Court, Nwosu approached the Court of Appeal to put the decision to further test.
The Court dismissed all issues raised by Nwosu in his appeal. Not satisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal, Nwosu headed to the apex court to upturn the decision of the lower courts.
The Supreme Court, in its judgment, dismissed Nwosu’s appeal, saying that he could not benefit from his iniquity.
The Court also dismissed the argument by Nwosu’s lawyer that the suit was statute barred.
Justice Augie said, “The appellant cannot be allowed to benefit from his own iniquity.
“The action is not caught up by limitation of time.
“This case rests on the issue of illegality and this court cannot be used to enforce illegalities.
“This appeal is hereby dismissed.”
Meanwhile, following the ruling, Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, has again called on Nwosu, to join hands with him and other well meaning people of the state in an effort to rebuild Imo.
In a statement issued by the chief press secretary to the governor, Chibuike Onyeukwu, Ihedioha said, “In the spirit of one Imo, one destiny, it has become imperative for all citizens, especially my brothers who contested with me in the last election to sheathe their swords in the interest of our state.
“The elections are over. Governance has taken centre stage and unfortunately, our case is a pathetic one, given that we are rebuilding a devastated state.”