A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from excluding the All Progressives Congress (APC) polling and collating agents from participating in the governorship election holding in Edo State on Saturday.
The court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite also ordered INEC to temporarily accept and give effect to the list of the polling and collation agents for the poll.
In the case with Suit Number FHC/AB/CS/1326/2024, the APC is challenging the non-recognition exclusion of its agents from taking part in the poll.
After hearing the application of APC counsel, Abdulghani Arobo, leading Ayodele Toe and Ayodeji Ibekunle, the judge ordered that the electoral commission not to exclude the polling and collation agents, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The case was adjourned to September 18, 2024.
Justice Nwite said: “An order of interim injuction of this Honourable court is hereby made restraining the defendant from depriving the polling and collation agents of the plaintiff official tags and full participation in the forthcoming Edo governorship election and instead directing the defendant/respondent to temporarily publish or issue customised rags with the names, details and documents of the plaintiffs polling agents or submitted for the purpose of the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
