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Tag: Echocho

  • Echocho lost it in Yahaya Bello

    Echocho lost it in Yahaya Bello

    Sir: Jibrin Isah Echocho was the most favoured Kogi political actor in 2011. His relevance, unlike others who after defeat lost it all grew larger when the PDP government betrayed him. Myriad electorates in the state embraced him as their political hero. Many of those people still remain with him today and see him as a ‘Mount Arafat’ to be paid homage one day perhaps as the governor they have or never had.

    When he met with disappointment from PDP under the leadership of the former governor of the state Ibrahim Idris, Echocho got the sympathy of many electorates. In 2015, Idris Wada’s poor performance aggrieved many people. Echocho thought that by political calculations PDP would be remorseful. His remaining in the party until his defeat in the party’s primary election was in anticipation of the practical translation of the Yoruba’s proverb ‘surulere’ (meaning patience pays). No doubt the proverb has worked for many and Echocho would not have been different.

    However, after being defeated by Idris Wada in the primary election, Echocho defected to APC where many elephants had grown horns. With the like of Prince Abubakar Audu in the party’s gubernatorial race, Echocho was told to ‘try again later’. Thus his defeat. And when Audu died, many people thought had wishes were horses, Echocho would have been the filler of the political vacuum.

    Till date, Kogi East which constitutes more than half of the state population is still in search of a political character to be presented as the governor of the state come 2019 (though not their birth right). Some political analysts see the possibility in Echocho provided his relevance remains intact. At the grassroots in Kogi State, many are aware that the failure of APC is not at the national but at the state level. People increasingly are now seeking to understand politics rather than politicians.

    Only a few months back, Yahaya Bello, the governor had identified Echocho as the Kogi East priest who needed to be appeased instead of the gods. In so doing, Bello is missing the blessing while Echocho is drawing the wrath. Both may be victims but the latter have much to lose.

    It has been said that the intricacy of the relationship between Bello and Echocho is one of political alignment; the desire of the latter to be made a senator and to use that influence to campaign for reelection of the former who in turn will actualise the governorship ambitions of the latter. These calculations are far-off range that no political formula could be used to support them.

    The reason for this is that some variables are missing. That is; Bello’s lack of political popularity and his deliberate arrogance at state workers who are experiencing untold hardships. Bearing in mind that the majority of workers in the state are the state civil servants, no political leader can succeed reelection without their pleasure. Idris Wada is a victim of this.

    Echocho has made much public declarations in support of Governor Yahaya Bello. He once remarked the divine ordination of his leadership of the state. Does this mean his own failure to be leader of the state is divine?

     

    • Abdullahi Suleiman Otiwe,

    asokogi@gmail.com

  • PDP quakes as Echocho, others back Audu in Kogi

    PDP quakes as Echocho, others back Audu in Kogi

    The defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongman, Isah Jibril (aka Echocho) to the All Progressives Congress(APC) less than six weeks to the November 21 governorship election in Kogi State is changing the face of the contests, reports Sunday Oguntola

    It started first as a speculation immediately after the August 14 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Kogi State. The first runner-up, Isah Jibril popularly known as Echocho, according to the grapevine, was going to dump the ruling PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It appeared inconceivable to most political pundits. Last Thursday, it became a reality. The impossible became possible. Echocho, the grassroots mobiliser and household name in Kogi politics, openly declared for the APC.

    He left the umbrella for the broom symbol of the APC. To convince people of his mass appeal, Jibril came with some important other defectors. One of them was Mohammed Idris, son of the former governor Ibrahim Idris.

    The younger Idris has been having a running battle with Governor Idris Wada, who is seeking reelection on the platform of the PDP. The member of the House of Representatives in the 7th National Assembly has never hidden his strong aversion for the governor. He severally criticised the governor for what he described as failed performances.

    Others who joined the APC train were Tom Zakari, another member of the last 7th National Assembly as well as former PDP local government chairmen and ex-House of Assembly members. Findings revealed they left the PDP because Wada captured the structure and left dissents in the lurch.

    Months before his defection, Echocho’s supporters have openly fraternised with the APC, fuelling speculation that their principal was going to also come on board. Addressing broom-waving supporters of the APC, the visibly elated Jibril expressed confidence in the ability of APC to rescue Kogi State from distinction.

    He said APC’s governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, was the right man for the job. With his running mate, Hon. James Faleke, he said the APC will deliver quality dividends of democracy. In his words: “They have done it before and they will do it again.”

    Audu, who received the defectors, said the final burial of the PDP in Kogi was at hand. He stated Kogi was on the threshold of a new dawn. His party, he added, has a master plan for the transformation of Kogi, which will manifest within the first six months if voted into office.

    He said: “PDP in Kogi State has proved its gross inability to impact on the lives of our people. They are by themselves retreating because they have run out of lies that they sold as ideas, just as they imposed thuggery on Kogi State. This is the time and the PDP will finally be buried on November 21, 2015.”

    Depleting PDP’s rank

    No doubt, the departure of Echocho from the PDP is a massive boost for the APC. It was gathered that the plot to bring him on board was hatched as soon as Audu became the standard bearer of the APC. A top party chieftain said: “We realised we have a good candidate but that is never enough in politics. We needed to deplete the ranks of the opposition and we realised that Echocho was open to joining us. But he was not going to come until the PDP primary, which we knew he would lose.”

    Wada won the PDP’s primary with 709 votes. Jibril could only manage 139. The governor won the delegate votes from 20 of the 21 local governments. He only lost in Yagba West.

     The process of convincing Echocho to join APC became easier when it was obvious Wada was not going to brooch any opposition. Sources said the Governor was bent on running the party’s structure alone, leaving many chieftains stranded and frustrated.

    “All we did was to let Echocho see that Wada will never leave anything for him. We can offer him chances to remain relevant and make some key appointments if he teams up with us. That will sell for any politician and we have our man now,” the APC’s chieftain added.

    Echocho brings to the party a massive following and grassroots appeal. As a philanthropist, most masses identify with his gestures and consider him an unlucky politician who should be helped to office to better their lots.

    He also has a well-oiled inter-party structure that dates back to his run for governorship in 2012. The structure saw him won the primary election before it was cancelled for a rerun that Governor Idris Wada won. He is expected to further buoy the campaign train of the APC across the local governments.

    Expectedly, the PDP dismissed Echocho’s defection as inconsequential. Kogi State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bode Ogunmola, said that the party was not bothered by the development. He described the defectors politically inconsequential.

    “If he (Echocho) was popular, how come lost at the primary? We have always known that they are in-laws.

    “Their defection is good riddance to bad rubbish. It doesn’t matter on defects, what matters is the people are with the PDP and its candidate, His Excellency, Capt. Idris Wada and come November 21, 2015 Capt. Idris Wada will by the grace of God, emerge with resounding victory.”

    But many PDP supporters confided they have become jitterier by the defection of Jibril. This, they said, is because of his fat pocket and wide influence. “This man is popular. We shouldn’t have allowed him go. We should have accommodated him so how. I am not so confident again that we can win this election with him against us.

    “He is teaming up with the opposition and it is dangerous signal for us. We have to work ten times harder now to win this election. We already have a strong ticket by the opposition and the addition of Echocho to their side might be a masterstroke that will spell our doom in the State,” a staunch PDP supporter stated.

    Crack within the PDP?

    But beyond the departure of Jibril, many are bothered the PDP has been become further decimated with the likes of Mohammed Idris dumping its umbrella cover. Unconfirmed reports believe that the younger Idris has the tacit support of his father to move over to the APC.

    Governor Wada, it is alleged, has been holding the party at a jugular, refusing to take inputs and contributions from key chieftains like the former governor. This, it was learnt, was why the events leading to the primary election were most unpalatable. Many PDP heavyweights wanted him out of the way but couldn’t succeed because the governor has the party executives fully in his pocket.

    Former Governor Idris is alleged to be disenchanted but unwilling to openly express displeasure owing to his belief that he should act as an elder statesman. A source close to Echocho confided: “Former Governor Idris is just acting up. He is with us I can assure but will not be seen to be opposing a governor he installed.

    “The governor has completely sidelined him. Look at how he ensured that Mohammed, the former governor’s son, didn’t win the primary to return to the House of Representatives. The former governor is unimpressed by his successor but does not want to be seen to be fraternizing with us.”

    APC’s election strategies

    But PDP’s loss is APC’s gain. The party, according to feelers, is bent on appealing to all disgruntled PDP members to swell its ranks in Kogi. Echocho is reportedly expected to spearhead the exercise across the local governments. It is believed that he will also furnish the APC with strategies that the PDP is hoping to deploy during the elections.

    For now, the plan seems to be working well with Jibril and Hon. Idris already on board. They have also succeeded in winning over the confidence of PDP ward chairmen, a ploy to capture massive grassroots support. With several former Assembly members also on board, the feeling among the APC echelon is that the coast is getting clearer for victory.

    Can Wada win again?

    But Wada is never a write-off. The smooth-speaking governor looks gentle but possesses tough skin required to survive in a hot political contest. So far, he has never lost any electoral contest. He has overcome every obstacle and opposition on his way. Several underrated him and believed he was going to lose the PDP primary.

    He won massively, beating off high-wired politics to deny him victory. He has the power of incumbency at his disposal and possesses heavy war chest. The second-term seeking governor is also a strategist, who works behind the scene quietly without attention.

    He has a disarming mien that wins supporters everywhere he goes. He has mastered the art of appearing as a minnow. This art has served him so well. Every time he won, nobody gave him a chance. That is because he plays up the victim card so well to his advantage. That is playing out again as many believe he is a victim being one of the few PDP surviving governors in the North Central.

    Last week, he visited President Muhammadu Buhari and appealed for a level-playing ground. This was further to consolidate on his victim image. He likes to look like the David against Goliath in every election. But beneath his gentle look is a tough skin that cannot be underrated.

    Will this work for him again? Will be formidable team of Audu, Echocho and Idris defeat him this time? Will voters keep considering him a David that must be supported to defeat the imaginary Goliath? November 21 is just down the corner.

  • Wada, Echocho, Amoto battle for Kogi PDP ticket

    Wada, Echocho, Amoto battle for Kogi PDP ticket

    Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set for governorship primaries in Lokoja, the state capital. Governor Idris Wada is a major aspirant. Alhaji Isah Echocho and Mr. Moses Amoto are also in the race. Whoever becomes the flag bearer will face the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, former Governor Abubakar Audu, at the poll on November 21. Correspondent JAMES AZANIA writes on the importance of the shadow poll for the ruling party. 

    The stage is set for the Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries. No fewer than 717 delegates will converge on Lokoja, the state capital, for the exercise. The delegates are from 239 wards. The shadow poll is very critical to the survival of the ruling party. If the exercise is successful, the party will go for the November 21 election as a united fold. If it is trailed by post-primary crisis, it may lose its grip on the state on poll day.

    Since 2003, the PDP has been in control of Kogi State. But, during the last presidential and National Assembly electuions, the party’s fortune was on the decline. Many thought that the PDP has lost its popularity. However, it bounced back during the House of Assembly elections.

    Three chieftains are battling for the ticket. They are Governor Idris Wada, Alhaji Isah Echocho and Mr. Moses Amoto.

    Opinion is divided on the chance of Governor Idris Wada at the primary election. According to party chieftains, the governor may not defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, former Governor Abubakar Audu, during the election. Thus, according to a source, efforts are being made to swing the votes towards the direction of Echocho.

    But, another source said that the governor is firmly on ground in the party.Wada’s loyalists swept all the party offices during the recent congresses. This has made  his opponents to return to the drawing board.

    The governor’s opponents have described him as a political neophyte. But, they also behave as neophyte during the congress by failing to mobilise their supporters for a show down with the governor during the controversial congresses.

     

    Echocho:

    Many believe that Echocho has a date with history at the shadow poll. He was an aspirant in 2011. But, he was defeated by former Governor Ibrahim Idris. The primary generated controversy. Echocho went to court. But, he failed to dethrone Idris as a candidate.

    A party source said Echocho enjoys the support of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC). In fact, following complaints by him, the delegates ward congress was cancelled. Last week, protesters stormed the PDP Secretariat to denounce the behaviour of the congress committee. The protesters carried placards. Some of read: ‘We want a credible congress,’ ‘No result sheet at venue,’ ‘Release our hijack material.’

    The Public Relation Officer of the Echocho Campaign Organisation, Adamu Ahmadu, who led other protesters, said the conduct of the ward congress was not only shrouded in secrecy, but it was also marred by malpractices.

    “Materials were not seen at the polling venue. People were doing nothing. We are going to write a petition to this effect and we hope the national body will hear our plea.”

    The Chairman of the Ward Congress, Hon. Leo Ogor, who pleaded with the protesters not to destroy the party’s property, promised to investigate their allegations.

    He said: “We will take the complaint to the appropriate authority. We will also verify it with the returning officers on the field. We are still waiting for the result of the congress. But,  we will attend to the grievances.”

    Echocho won the January 9, 2011 primaries. But, according to party sources, he was not the choice of Idris, who has anointed Wada as his successor.

    For four years, the post-election litigation lingered in the court, until the Supreme Court decided the case in Wada’s favour. However, the bitter rivalry has persisted because there was no reconciliation between Wada and Echocho.

    Echocho has a formidable structure. He also has the backing of many party chieftains. His supporters include Senator Smart Adeyemi and billionaire businessman Chief Jide Omokore.  Those supporting him believe that he was short-changed in 2011.

    However, some factors may work against him. Die-hard PDP supporters have accused him of inconsistency, saying that he hobnobbed with the opposition. Also, after 2011, he returned to his shell. Thus, some people believe that he is battling with a waning popularity. In fact, it was speculated that Echocho would defect to the APC in September last year. many of his associates left the PDP for the party, shortly before the general elections. But, he stayed back, to the consternation of his supporters. A party source said that Echocho refused to defect because it was clear that Prince Audu will emerge as the APC candidate.

     

    Wada:

     Wada has the advantage of incumbency power. Besides,  his predecessor, Idris, is mobilising support for him. The former governor, who has an axe to grind with Echocho, has led other major stakeholders to endorse the governor for a second term. But, a source hinted that Idris may be playing the Ostrich, because he also has grudges against Wada.

    Major supporters of the governor include Senator Tunde Ogheha, Chief Abiodun Ojo and Chief Olusola Akomode. They have influence over many delegates in the Kogi West Senatorial District. Furthermore, they are supporting Wada in the spirit  of power shift. “They are supporting Wada on the basis that he has only four more years, after which they will push for power shift to other zones,” said a source.

    Observers are of the view that the Echocho camp may not be able to withstand Captain Wada during the primary.  Already, there is a propaganda against Echocho. Critics have labelled him as an enemy within.

    “How can a politician who has the plan to contest election abandon the party for almost four years and come thereafter to seek election on the platform of the same party he had abandoned?  If the national body of the PDP make a mistake of manoeuvring the ticket for Jubrin Isah Echocho, then, the party will end up creating advantage for the opposition to take over the state,” said a party chieftain.

    A PDP chieftain, Alhaji Sadiq Momoh Obari, said the governor will win at the primary. He said Wada’s prudent management of resources, particularly the payment of workers’ salaries, despite the dwindling financial allocation, will swing the pendulum of victory to his direction.

    He added: “Despite the paucity of funds, the state under Wada has embarked on some legacy projects, including the Korea Partnership Centre for Vocational Training, the University Teaching Hospital Anyigba, the 500 housing units in Ganaja village and the Diagnostic and Imaging Centre in Lokoja”.

    According to him, Wada deserves a second term to enable him consolidate on his achievements. However, he called for a free and fair primary to prevent crisis.

    His words: “What we need now is free, fair and transparent primaries. Any attempt by the national body to be biased will spell doom for the party. Kogi State is the only PDP state standing in the North Central of the country, if the party wants to hold on to it, there must be sincerity and a level playing ground for the contestants. We all witnessed the APC primaries in Kogi where the conduct cannot be questioned in all ramifications.”

     

    Amoto:

     The third aspirant, Amoto, is not a political giant. Little is known about his antecedent. He is an Ebira-born businessman. In the past, he has expressed interest in the position. But,  he never went beyond purchasing the nomination form. After that, he disappered from the scene.

     

    Uncertainty:

     But, will the primary hold today? There is nothing on ground to suggest that the exercise will hold. As at 2 pm yesterday, delegates have not been sited in the capital. The accreditation of reporters has not been done. Observers have not arrived. The PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bode Ogunmola, asked reporters to check back at the secretariat, indicating that further directive was still being awaited.

  • Echocho alleges plot to disrupt PDP primary

    Echocho alleges plot to disrupt PDP primary

    The Jibrin Isah Campaign Organisation (JICO) yesterday alleged that sympathisers of Governor Idris Wada are behind a plot to disrupt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary tomorrow.

    Alhaji Jibril Isah Echocho is a major challenger for the PDP ticket which Wada is also seeking.

    A statement by his campaign Director-General, Fenti Dada, drew “the attention of the public as well as security agencies to the plan by the governor’s supporters to disrupt the PDP gubernatorial primaries”.

    The statement added: “We have it on good authority that the hunter, who has now become the hunted, has recruited young men, mainly youths, to disrupt the primary by causing bodily harm to delegates and supporters of Alhaji Jibrin Isah Echocho.

    “The plot is despicable, desperate and a sign that he (the governor) does not have the interest of the state as well as the party, PDP at heart. Most worrisome is the promise of political appointments to the thugs at the end of the exercise.

    “Governor Wada should know that, we are aware of his plan and wish to remind him that as the chief security officer of the state, his responsibility is to protect lives and properties and not the other way round.

    “Governor Wada should also be reminded that the recently held gubernatorial primary of the APC was rancour-free, despite the fact that over 27 aspirants were involved.

    “The good people of Kogi State deserve a better deal and as such, no amount of intimidation will deter the supporters and well wishers of Alhaji Isah from freely exercising their franchise.

    “We wish to assure our numerous supporters that the relevant security organisations have been informed of the wicked plan o and that Governor Wada should be held responsible in the event of any unpleasant occurrence.”

    But Wada’s Media Adviser, Jaboc Edi, described the allegation as diversionary..

    He said: “This is devious, malicious and diversionary. Let them go to the field and stop crying foul where there’s none. The issues in this primary are very clear. Governor Wada is a stickler for due process. So, it is trite to make such ill-considered and baseless insinuations.

    “We challenge them to summon courage and come to the field. But I assure that Wada will win.”

     

  • Kogi: PDP must conduct fair primary, says Echocho

    The Isah Jubril (Echocho) Campaign Organisation yesterday warned that anything short of a credible primary by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State will spell doom for the party.

    In a statement by its Director-General, Fehinti Dada, the organisation urged the electoral committee members to be fair to all aspirants.

    It said there was an attempt by a Southwest PDP governor to convince other aspirants to step down for Governor Idris Wada instead of canvassing a level-playing field for the emergence of an acceptable candidate.

    The organisation alleged that over 90 per cent of the ad hoc delegates were allegedly hand-picked by the governor’s aides, like commissioners, special advisers, acting council chairmen, among others.

    It also claimed that the list of delegates had been compromised, saying: “It is our candid advice that the 21 local governments’ Returning Officers to be used in conducting the ward congress must be recruited directly by the electoral committee without being tele-guided by anybody.”

    The organisation noted that without transparency, the congress and primary “will confine PDP to the dustbin”.

    “We want to remind the National Headquarters of our great party that Kogi is the only state in the entire Northcentral that remains in the hand of PDP.  The Party must, therefore, not do anything that will jeopardise our chances of retaining the State in this crucial election,” the organisation said.

    It expressed confidence that Echocho will emerge victorious in a transparent and fair electoral process because he is loved and accepted in Kogi.

    “We are not in doubt of his victory at the polls going by his pedigree and acceptability by the entire citizens of Kogi State. We want to appeal to the conscience of the Electoral Committee Members therefore, to conduct this exercise with an unbiased mind and shun monetary inducement from the sinking Governor.

    “The concocted list …must be jettisoned so as to allay the fears of our teeming party supporters that the PDP will win the forthcoming elections in Kogi State,” the statement added.

     

     

  • Echocho: no plan to defect

    Echocho: no plan to defect

    A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Jibrin Isah Echocho, said yesterday he has no plans to defect to any party.

    He asked his supporters not to seek revenge against anyone in the state.

    Echocho, who made the clarification in a statement in Abuja through his Media Adviser, Phrank Shaibu, said it was too early for anybody to make such a conjecture.

    The Supreme Court last Friday declared Governor Idris Wada as the validly nominated PDP candidate in the state.

    The verdict fuelled speculations that Echocho might join another party.

    The statement said: “The story of a planned defection of Jibrin Isah Echocho and his supporters is a figment of the demented imagination of persons, who are either threatened by the large following and support he enjoys and our political strength.

    “Echocho is embarrassed by the orchestrated attempt to calumniate on his hard earned integrity.”

  • Echocho: no plan to defect

    Echocho: no plan to defect

    A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Jibrin Isah Echocho, said yesterday he has no plans to defect to any party.

    He asked his supporters not to seek revenge against anyone in the state.

    Echocho, who made the clarification in a statement in Abuja through his Media Adviser, Phrank Shaibu, said it was too early for anybody to make such a conjecture.

    The Supreme Court last Friday declared Governor Idris Wada as the validly nominated PDP candidate in the state.

    The verdict fuelled speculations that Echocho might join another party.

    The statement said: “The story of a planned defection of Jibrin Isah Echocho and his supporters is a figment of the demented imagination of persons, who are either threatened by the large following and support he enjoys and our political strength.

    “Echocho is embarrassed by the orchestrated attempt to calumniate on his hard earned integrity.”

  • Echocho: don’t link me to Boko Haram suspects

    ‘For the avoidance of the doubt, there is no school by the name ‘Echocho Secondary school’. What we have is ‘Isah Memorial College’ established in 2004’

    Embattled governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State Jibrin Isah (Echocho) yesterday raised the alarm over efforts to link him to some Boko Haram suspects arrested in the state.

    Echocho in a statement in Abuja by the Director, Public Communication and Strategy of The Jibrin Isah Campaign Organisation, Phrank Shaibu, said media reports linking his private school in Kogi State to the suspects were “coordinated campaigns to tarnish his reputation” by desperate politicians in the state.

    He said some political actors in Kogi State are jittery because of a Supreme Court judgment to be delivered on Monday.

    The statement entitled: “Stop this blackmail of the judiciary”, reads: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports linking a private business concern of our principal, The Isah Memorial College, Ajiolo, with an alleged Boko Haram suspect as well as coordinated media campaigns aimed at tarnishing the reputation of our principal, Jibrin Isah (Echocho) orchestrated by some desperate politicians.

    “For the avoidance of the doubt, there is no school by the name ‘Echocho Secondary school’. What we have is ‘Isah Memorial College’ established in 2004.

    “Secondly, the suspected lecturer is not in the employment of Isa Memorial College.”The school is not an Islamic institution as we have Christians as students, teachers, care-givers and non academic staff.”

    He alleged that those behind the smear campaign are using President Goodluck Jonathan as cover to hound-wink undeserving people of Kogi state.

    Echocho added: “These same characters have worked overtime to make the Kogi people believe that their actions are supported by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “His role as the custodian of Nigeria’s democracy remains foremost and demands of him to uphold high standards of impartiality and truthfulness on issues that will advance Nigeria’s democracy.”

  • Echocho heads for Supreme Court

    Echocho heads for Supreme Court

    The winner of the January 2011 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, Jibrin Isah Echocho, has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the election of Captain Idris Wada and his swearing in as governor of Kogi State.

    Echocho is challenging the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which upheld the decision of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which had dismissed his case for lack of jurisdiction.

    In an appeal by his counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, the appellant submitted that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it said Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter.

    He contended that the crux of the matter is the Supreme Court decision in SC 357/2011 delivered on January 27, 2012 vis-a-vis the mandatory provisions of sections 178(2), 180(2)&(2a) and 287(1) of the constitution.

    He submitted that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it held that the core or central issue is the question of jurisdiction, adding that the matter before the lower court was the validity of the governorship election held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State on December 3, 2011 during the pendency of an appeal at the Supreme Court.

    Olanipekun also submitted that the Court of Appeal erred in its conclusion and judgment that the appellant’s case was a matter suited for an election tribunal and not the Federal High Court.

    He contended that the lower court erred when it held that the appellant’s claim falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the election tribunal and not the Federal High Court.

    According to him, the court came to a wrong conclusion when it held that to determine the first two issues raised by the appellant in his originating summons would only be tantamount to an academic or moot exercise, since the answers to those questions would not confer any right on the appellant.

    The appellant claimed that the lower court breached his rights to fair hearing by striking out his appeal on the grounds that the trial court lacked jurisdiction without considering his case and making pronouncement on its merit in the alternative.

    In the brief judgment read by Justice Akomolafe Wilson, the Court of Appeal held that by the provisions in Section 255(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 133 of the Electoral Act, the court lacked the jurisdiction and therefore lacked the competence to strike out the suit.

    “Any order is tantamount to exercising its coercive power.

    “The appeal fails on this ground. It is hereby dismissed.”

    Justice Abdu Kafarati, had in his judgment said Echocho lacked the locus standi to initiate the suit, having not participated in the governorship election that brought Wada into power.

    Besides, the judge, who said the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit, held that it is a post election matter, which only the election tribunal can adjudicate upon since the election took place in December and the action was filed in February.

    He dismissed the suit for being an abuse of court process and awarded the cost of N100,000 against the plaintiff.

    Dissatisfied, Echocho through his counsel, Chief Olanipekun (SAN), approached the Appeal Court, which upheld the decision.