APGA candidate Dr Alex Otti is back in the battle for the Abia State governor’s seat. He is seeking to be allowed to join as a party to the appeal currently at the Federal Court of Appeal, Abuja.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the appellate court ruled that the substantive appeals (eight in number) have been adjourned to August 9, 2016 for all parties to adopt their written briefs and thereafter a date shall be given for judgement all things been equal.

On whether Dr Otti will be allowed to join as a party to the appeal, the motion for it was adjourned to August 4, 2016.

On issue of various applications by parties, one for stay by Dr Ikpeazu and the other of injunction against Dr Ikpeazu filed by Dr Ogah, the court persuaded their lawyers to sheathe their swords and allow the judgement of June 27, 2016 and Certificate of Return issued to remain the way they are until the Court of Appeal decides on the substantive appeal before the appellate court.

•Photo shows Alex Otti.