A former presidential candidate, Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legitimacy of alleged political defections and control of the Rivers State governorship seat under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Owuru, who was a presidential candidate, claims that his Rivers East senatorial ticket was sold in 1999 to raise funds for the PDP’s governorship runoff election, which led to the emergence of Dr. Peter Odili as the party’s first elected governor in the state.
According to Owuru, the arrangement constituted a political investment backed by agreed compensation, appointments, and enforceable security interests. He argues that the alleged obligations arising from the arrangement remain unsettled, and successive PDP governors in Rivers State have benefited from the arrangement without satisfying the underlying terms.
The suit names the PDP, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former governors Nyesom Wike, Rotimi Amaechi, Dr. Peter Odili, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as respondents.
Owuru is seeking a declaration that he is a creditor-lien holder entitled to restitution, compensation, and returns on his political investments dating back to 1999. He is also seeking orders nullifying any acts of coercion, harassment, or enforcement of alleged secret agreements connected to the disputed political arrangements.
In his supporting affidavit, Owuru stated that the Rivers State governorship seat is subject to a lien and pledge, which must be settled before any transfer or defection can be made. He claimed that the respondents have failed to settle the outstanding obligations, despite benefiting from the arrangement.
The suit raises constitutional and electoral questions, including the extent to which political parties may lawfully bargain or source funds for elections under the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act. The case is expected to test the limits of political patronage and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The respondents have been served with the court papers, and the case is expected to come up for hearing soon. The outcome of the case is being keenly watched by stakeholders in Rivers State and beyond, as it could have far-reaching implications for the state’s politics and governance.
The case has also sparked reactions from various quarters, with some calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations, while others have expressed concerns about the potential disruption of the state’s governance. The PDP has yet to comment on the suit, but the case is likely to dominate political discussions in Rivers State in the coming weeks.
