Defection: Governor Ayade to know fate April 6 as court postpones ruling

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit challenging the defection of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River and his Deputy, Ivara Esu from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo had scheduled the judgment for March 25, 2022, however, the court has now fixed the 6th of April 2022 to rule on the case

Recall that the PDP had through its counsel Emmanuel Ukala, sought an order sacking the Governor and his Deputy over their defection.

PDP had said, “INEC should immediately receive from the plaintiff (PDP), the name of its candidates to replace the 3rd and 4th defendants (Ayade and Esu) for the purpose of utilising the lawful votes cast in favour of the plaintiff.

”Or in the alternative direct the 1st defendant to hold a gubernatorial election for Cross River State in accordance with Section 177 of the Constitution excluding the 3rd and 4th defendants who are disqualified from participating in the election by virtue of Section 192 (1) (b) of the Constitution) arising from the abandonment of the majority lawful votes and the offices.”