TheCable

Godswill Akpabio, a former minister of Niger Delta affairs, says he will appeal a court verdict sacking him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate in Akwa Ibom north-west.

On Monday, the court of appeal in Abuja nullified the primary election that produced the former minister as senatorial candidate.

The appeal court set aside the judgment of the trial court that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Akpabio’s name as APC senatorial candidate in the district.

Udom Ekpoudom, a former deputy inspector-general of police (DIG), had won the APC primary for Akwa Ibom north-west senatorial district in May, while the former minister was pursuing a presidential bid.

In a statement, the former governor said that it is imperative to note that he was not joined in the case.

“Whilst awaiting a copy of the said judgment to be made available to me and any other interested party, it is important to state that I am a lawyer by training and a law-abiding citizen of this country and I am bound by our laws and judgements emanating from our courts including the one under reference,” he said.

“My lawyers on my advice and brief have commenced the scrutiny of the contents of the judgment as read, for purposes of seeking appropriate legal redress.

“I am aware that the supreme court of Nigeria has the final say in these matters.

“I therefore strongly advise my supporters, APC members and all my constituents to remain calm and law abiding, as they continue their campaigns for the successes of the APC in Akwa Ibom north west senatorial district, Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria at large.”