Multiple registration: Court refuses APC’s bid to prosecute Obiano

    
An Abuja Federal High Court on Monday dismissed a motion in which the All Progressives Congress sought the investigation and prosecution of Anambra State governor-elect, Willie Obiano, over alleged multiple registration.

APC had, in the exparte motion, asked the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar to prosecute Obiano in accordance with section 12(2) of the Electoral Act 2010 and section 4 and 23 of the Police Act.

However, in a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Gabriel Kolawole dismissed the motion.

The judge held that it would be unfair to grant the motion without notifying the governor-elect, who will be affected by the decision of the court, especially as there was no criminal charge against him in respect to the alleged multiple registration.

Justice Kolawole noted that the motion on notice was not supported by an affidavit.

Dismissing the motion, the judge held that he could not exercise judicial discretion on the matter.

APC had alleged that Obiano of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, who was declared winner of the governorship election in Anambra State, engaged in multiple registration.

According to APC, Obiano was issued a voter’s registration number 90F5B13B88377091121 at 2.18 pm on August 21, 2013 and another voter’s registration number 90F5B15E7D378200332 at 2.18 pm on August 3, 2013.

The party added that the governor-elect had earlier obtained a voters’ registration number 90F5BO1296204172.