A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit filed by an African Democratic Congress (ADC) aspirant, Legborsi Nwiabu, challenging the emergence of Bright Nulee as the party’s candidate for Khana State Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Presiding judge, Justice Muhammed Turaki, dismissed the suit after the plaintiff's counsel, Felix Beragbara, informed the court of his client’s decision to discontinue the case against the ADC, Nulee, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

When the matter was called on Wednesday, Beragbara orally applied to withdraw the suit on behalf of Nwiabu. This followed an intervention by the ADC’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee in Rivers State, headed by Emma Chindah.

The application to withdraw was not opposed by the defendants' counsel, though INEC's counsel requested costs. Beragbara stated that Nwiabu had also acknowledged interventions from the party’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Raph Nwosu, and its governorship candidate, Gabriel Pidomson.

In his ruling, Justice Turaki granted the plaintiff’s application and dismissed the suit. The court awarded N50,000 in costs in favour of INEC.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Beragbara explained that the parties had been discussing a settlement out of court. He said Nwiabu, described as a good party man who prioritises the party's success over personal interest, chose to step down his suit to ensure the party remains strong and presents a united front in the upcoming election.

Beragbara added that Nwiabu was motivated to withdraw the suit after leading party members approached him to do so.