Date: 2019-02-13

A Federal High Court sitting in ilorin, Kwara State on Tuesday affirmed Senator Rafiu Ibrahim as PDP senatorial Candidate for Kwara south district election.

Justice Babagana Ashigar in his ruling directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Rafiu Ibrahim and include his name as a contestant.

INEC had recognized the Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed as the candidate, while the governor had insisted on resigning as the candidate.

Recall that the electoral umpire wrote to the governor on Dec 31, 2018 rejecting his application on the ground that it was written after the deadline.

"Ahmed remains the candidate of the PDP for Kwara South Senatorial election, his name is duly registered in the form as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)," it had said.

The letter dated Dec 19, 2018 with reference N0: INEC/LEG/PP/19/243 signed by Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC Secretary to the national headquarters of the PDP conveyed the rejection of the substitution of Ahmed’s name.

Part of the letter reads: "Please note that withdrawal/substitution of candidate closed on 17th November 2018 in accordance with the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 General elections.

"Consequent upon the above, the Commission regrets to inform you that the withdrawal and substitution by your party is clearly outside the timeline and therefore cannot accede to your request,"