Tension in Ebonyi as PDP nominates Igariwey to replace fmr Gov. Umahi    

There are emerging indicators of palpable tension in Ebonyi State as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in compliance with the order of a Federal High Court in Abuja, nominated Iduma Enwo Igariwey to replace former Governor David Umahi, and Fred Udeogu to replace former Deputy Governor Eric Igwe in the state. The rising tension further generates uncertainty in the political atmosphere of Ebonyi State after the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the defection of former Governor Dave Umahi from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the PDP election mandate illegal, null and unconstitutional.

The Federal High Court, therefore, ordered Umahi and the Deputy Governor, Eric Igwe, to vacate their seats as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively, insisting that the PDP won the election in March 2019 and not the candidates.

While the PDP had complied with the court order, nominating replacements for the former governor and deputy governor of Ebonyi State, former Governor Umahi referring to previous court judgements on the same matter which he was not a party to the suits, vowed to decide which court judgement he will choose to obey, and chose to obey the previous judgements which he was not party to the suit and to disobey the judgement that nullified his defection.

Former Governor Umahi alleged that the judgement was purchased, declaring that the presiding judge lacks the power to sack him from office.

The presiding judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his judgment had declared that on “defecting to the APC, Governor Umahi, and his deputy cannot transfer the mandate of the PDP to their current party, the APC.” The Judge declared their defection illegal, null, and unconstitutional.

Justice Ekwo, citing section 221 of the constitution, ordered the PDP to immediately send names of replacements to INEC so that fresh elections can be conducted. The Judge further ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cease recognising Umahi and Igwe as the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Ebonyi State.

The only legal option for former Governor Umahi is to go on appeal, which he has communed, not to rely on executive lawlessness to denigrate the Nigerian judiciary, and undermine the rule of law in the country.

Meanwhile, Umahi’s political misfortune has started on his 2023 presidential ambition.