The Court of Appeal, Kano Division, has issued a stay and suspension order on the judgement of a Federal High Court in Kano State that had nullified the election of Abia State Governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti.

The court also granted Otti permission to appeal the judgement as an interested party. A three-member panel, led by Justice Ita Mbaba, granted Otti seven days to file the notice of appeal.

The respondents, Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahi, Labour Party, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), did not appear in court despite being served.

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The order for stay and suspension will remain in effect until the appeal is heard and determined.

Otti was instructed to provide an undertaking for damages in favor of the respondents if he fails to file or diligently pursue the appeal.

The original judgement by Justice Mohammed Yunusa had declared the Labour Party’s activities in the selection process for the 2023 general elections in Kano and Abia states as null and void due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act.