Imo: Uzodinma’s Supreme Court win disheartening – LP candidate

By Jude Opara

Athan Achonu, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the November 11, 2023, Imo governorship election, says the Supreme Court verdict does not truly reflect democracy.
Mr Achonu made this stance known o when he addressed journalists in his country home, Umunumo, in the Ehime Mbano council area of Imo.
“ Though this judicial decision may be disheartening, we shall continue to strive for a just, fair and truly democratic Nigeria,” he said.
The Supreme Court, on August 23, 2024, upheld Governor Hope Uzodinma’s election, alongside those of his Bayelsa and Kogi counterparts, Douye Diri and Usman Ododo, respectively.
Mr Achonu commended the judiciary for considering the suit, which he filed challenging the result of the Imo governorship election, from the tribunal to the Appeal Court, and finally, the Supreme Court.
He, however, cautioned against what he described as an “unhealthy political culture where the judiciary’s pronouncements outweigh the people’s votes.”
The politician called for a change in the narrative, especially through electoral law amendments.
“ I respect the judiciary as the final arbiter in our electoral system, but I must express my deep concerns, not out of bitterness, but out of a steadfast commitment to the principles of justice and fairness that our democracy should uphold.
“ I want to assure our people that, as the opposition, the Labour Party will be guided by decency, decorum and constructive criticism, encouraging the government where it does well and calling it out where it fails to do well.
“ To Imo people, I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and belief in our vision for a more prosperous state while restating that, be it as it may, our resolve to serve you and champion your interests remains unbroken,” he said.
He called for support for democratically elected leaders, adding that the masses must avoid anything that could tarnish the image of the state or country.
He added that while the party in the process of organizing congress, there was a court injunction restraining the PDP from conducting the congress.
Bature further revealed that in the process of setting up the committee, there was intense pressure from different stakeholders tying to influence those that would be on the committee.
“When we wanted to put this committee together, we had a lot of pressure from different stakeholders who wanted to have their loyalists on the committee, but we as a party insisted on selecting only those they believe that will be upright in the discharge of the task ahead of them”.
He equally explained that the party carefully selected the chairman and secretary of the caretaker committee from Plateau and Enugu states respectively, while the other members were drawn from the state.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, AVM Napoleon Bali (retd) said he has a fair idea of Makurdi, the state capital especially when he was in the Air force.
He said the task will be very easy if all stakeholders follow the rules, and that they are not going there to favour or work against anybody.