Following the dismissal of his suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission at the High Court, the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Kolawole Matthew has disclosed his intention to appeal the judgment.
Kolawole had filed the suit to compel INEC to upload and publish his name as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal constituency election in 2023.
Justice Peter H. Mallong, in his ruling on Thursday, said the electoral umpire is entitled to set timeline for all his activities.
The Judge further said once the timeline is passed, the court cannot force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the date as such is the discretion of the electoral body.
He ruled that the court cannot compel INEC to open its portal and accept Kolawole’s candidacy.
However, reacting to the judgment in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Femi Olugbemi, the Speaker urged his supporters to be calm, as he has directed his legal representation to file an appeal.
According to Matthew, other candidates in similar situations with him across the country have gotten justice in their favor, and he cannot be an exemption.
The Speaker stated that the primary election of the party produced him as the candidate without controversy, and monitored by the INEC.
He assured his supporters that he will be on the ballot to contest the House of Representatives’ seat, and the APC will be victorious.
