Zoning Controversy: Guber Aspirant Drags PDP To Court

A People Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant from Akwa-Ibom, Mr Leo Ekpenyong has challenged the rotation and zoning policy of the party in court.

Ekpenyong, in an originating summon filed in an FCT High Court by his lawyer, Mr Olusegun Ogundiran, prayed the court to declare the policy as illegal and contrary to the principle of democracy.

The plaintiff in a 12 paragraphs affidavit deposed to by him prayed the court to declare that the provision of section 7 (3) c of the PDP constitution 2012 is discriminatory and selective.

The said provision stated that “adhering to the policy of the rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity justice and fairness.”

Ekpenyong said that the provision was contrary to the provision of Section 14 (2) C and 42 (2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as (amended).

He sought for a declaration by the court to declare it null and void.

The plaintiff also sought that the resolution of the state chapter of the PDP contained in the communiqué of April 22 meeting was contrary to democratic principle of fair play and equity.

According to him, the resolution which zoned the 2015 governorship of the state to Eket Senatorial District, was contrary to principle of fair play and equity and participatory government in Akwa Ibom State.

The plaintiff averred that the zoning formula had pre-determined the result of the party primaries and urged the court to declare it illegal.

The case filed before Justice Abubakar Umar of the FCT High Court, who is yet to have a fix date for mention. (NAN)

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