NBA National Elections: Court Grants Leave for Hearing During Vacation, Orders Substituted Service on ElectionBuddy
Tobenna Erojikwe, Presidential Candidate in the just concluded NBA election has taken legal action to compel the provision of materials used in the National Officers Election held on July 20, 2024. The case, filed by the Tobenna, seeks to conduct an independent audit of the election, in accordance with Paragraph 8, Part II of the Second Schedule of the NBA Constitution, 2015 (as amended).
The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) has reportedly refused to release the requested election materials, and even directed ElectionBuddy, the platform that managed the election, to withhold the documents. This refusal prompted Erojikwe to file a lawsuit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, seeking injunctive and mandatory orders to preserve and produce the materials for inspection.
The case was first brought before Honourable Justice C.O. Agashiezi, sitting as a Vacation Judge in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, August 15, 2024. The court further adjourned the hearing to Friday, August 16, 2024, during which the judge granted the Orders sought in two motions: a Motion Ex-Parte to allow the case to be heard during the court’s Long Vacation, and a Motion for substituted service.
The case has been adjourned to August 29, 2024, for the hearing of a Motion on Notice. The court has directed that the respondents in the case be notified of the proceedings.
Erojikwe however expressed optimism that this legal action, along with other steps being taken, will help restore confidence in the electoral processes of the NBA and uphold the rule of law within the association.
Further updates on the case will be provided as developments unfold.
