OGUNTADE JSC (DELIVERING THE LEADING JUDGMENT): On 25-10-2007, this court heard this appeal and the two cross-appeals. I allowed the appeal and dismissed the cross-appeals. I indicated then that I would give the reasons for my judgment today, 18-01-2008. I now do so. On 26-01-2007, the appellant, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, as the plaintiff, commenced his suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (now 1st respondent) as the defendant. Later, the appellant sought and was granted leave to join, as second and third defendants respectively, Celestine Omehia (now 2nd respondent) and Peoples Democratic Party (now 3rd respondent).
I intend hereafter to refer to the plaintiff/appellant as Amaechi and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants/respondents as INEC, Omehia and PDP respectively. In his further amended statement of claim, Amaechi claimed against the respondents the following reliefs:
“A declaration that the option of changing or substitu…