BREAKING: Victory For LP As Tribunal Delivers Judgment In Another State
The Abia State election petition tribunal, convened in Umuahia, has ruled against three key arguments presented by Okey Ahaiwe, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, in his case against Governor Alex Otti. The tribunal’s judgment, delivered around 1:20 pm, declared Ahaiwe’s claims lacked merit, leading to the dismissal of his petition.
Ahaiwe, represented by his lawyer Paul Ananaba, SAN, contested Otti’s election, challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Otti as the duly elected governor. Ahaiwe’s plea to the court was to invalidate Otti’s victory and declare him the rightful winner. He argued that Otti’s electoral success did not comply with Section 77 of the Electoral Act, among other concerns.
However, the tribunal rejected all of Ahaiwe’s requests, citing their lack of merit. This decision sparked spontaneous jubilation among thousands of Labour Party (LP) supporters from various parts of the state. They rejoiced outside the Federal High Court complex, expressing their elation through dance and celebration.
Simultaneously, the tribunal is currently addressing another case brought forth by Ikechi Emenike of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Governor Otti. Emenike is urging the tribunal to unseat Otti, alleging that he did not formally resign from the APC before joining the LP.
Additionally, Emenike claims that Otti’s name was not on the LP register when he contested the election on March 18. This ongoing case adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape of Abia State.
