TRIBUNAL UPHOLDS GOV. UMAHI’S ELECTION.

The Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State has thrown out a petition filed by the Gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Chief Ajah Aruah, challenging the victory of Governor David Umahi of Peoples Democratic Party in the 9th March Governorship election.

In a judgement delivered by Justice A.B Abdulkareem, the Tribunal held that the PDM failed to prove that it submitted the name of its Gubernatorial candidate in line with the provisions the 2010 Electoral Act as amended.

The Tribunal observed that the party did not conduct its Governorship primary within the stipulated time and dismissed the petition for lack of merit and potent truth.

Counsel to Governor Umahi, Chief Arthur Obiokafor, expressed joy over the judgement, noting that there were laid down guidelines on the nomination of candidates, which the petitioner did not follow.

However, Counsel to PDM Governorship candidate, Mr. Michael Odo said his client would appeal the judgement as the Tribunal failed to interpret section 31 of Electoral Act, which stipulated that INEC had no power to reject the nomination of political parties.

The Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, who witnessed the judgement, told journalists that the state government was excited and did not expect less.

AMECHI ODO