Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, seems determined to participate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra state. This is as the finance expert on Thursay, approached an Abuja High Court to challenge his disqualification by the All Progressives
Grand Alliance, APGA.
APGA’s screening panel on August 16, disqualified Soludo and five other aspirants from participating in the party’s governorship primaries election in the state for various reasons.
The Alhaji Tayo Sowunmi-led Committee had screened the 14 aspirants last Friday and disqualified six of them including; Soludu, Mr Oseloka Obaze, Dr Chike Obidigbo, Chief Chinedu Idigo, Chief Tony Nnacheta and Mr Emma Nweke.
They were dropped for non-possession of voter’s card, tax clearance, lack of evidence of sound financial muscle, and unresolved issue with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
In his motion, Soludo applied for a judicial review of his disqualification by the screening committee that was set up by APGA to ascertain the suitability of candidates that applied to fly its flag in the coming election.
He is praying the court to set aside the decision of the committee denying him the opportunity to vie for the Anambra Governorship seat on APGA platform.
Justice Peter Affen, in his ruling overruled the oral submission of APGA counsel, Ezechukwu O., who had contested the jurisdiction of the court.
The judge said that the matter can be entertained in the Federal Capital Territory, being the headquarters of the party.
He ordered him to file further affidavits, citing authorities of cases heard outside the jurisdiction of the cause of action and adjourned till today.
Recall that Soludo, through his spokesperson had earlier accepted the decision of the Committee saying that it was for the interest of the party.
