It is a fundamental
principle of justice that litigation must have an end. Therefore, it is not strange that the end of
the seemingly unending litigation that has seized Kogi State since the election
season of 2011 is now in sight. However, the kind of information that is being
peddled around is dangerous. People no longer suggest what the judgement will
look like rather, they say with confidence where the scale of justice will
swing to. Sadly, most people who make such declarations don’t even know what exactly
is before the court for determination.
It is important to
note that this case is almost a case without a precedent and as such, it is not
sensible to confidently say what the outcome will be.
A journey from the beginning of this case to this point
that can better be described as “season of anxiety” is breath taking. Travel
with me as I attempt to give a SKETCHY account of this litigation. Let us
review Echocho Vs Wada, PDP & INEC from the cause of action!
INEC had announced that it was going to conduct general
elections across the country and within its time-table, the gubernatorial
election of Kogi State was fixed for 26th April, 2011. This was in
anticipation that the tenure of the sitting Governor, Enegbani Ibrahi Idris
will expire on 29th May, 2011. Accordingly, the PDP on 19th
January, 2011 conducted primary election which Enegbani Isah Echocho was
declared winner; his name was therefore forwarded to INEC as the elected
candidate for the 26th April, 2011 election.
