Abia State News Special Report
ABIA GUBER: IKPEAZU FLOORS OTTI, AS TRIBUNAL UPHOLDS HIS VICTORY
![]()
Afnews Editor
Sep 20, 2019
The election petition tribunal for gubernatorial election,
sitting in Umuahia the Abia State capital has dismissed the petition brought
before it by the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate in the 2019
election, Dr. Alex Otti which seeks to nullify the victory of Governor Okezie
Ikpeazu.
READ ALSO:
Naira Crunch: Falana Slams CBN For Flouting Supreme Court Order
The court proceedings which started at exactly 9am saw the
arrival of the presiding judges as well as counsels to both parties.
READ ALSO:
Birthday: Emenike Iroegbu Celebrates Ikechukwu Emetu, Praises His Support for Otti's Agenda
Introduction of counsels follow immediately, after that, the
presiding judge told the court that for want of time, they have to go straight
to read out the summary and findings of which the both the petitioner and the
respondents tendered in the course of the adoption of written addresses through
their counsels.
READ ALSO:
NCDC: Panic As Bird Flu Returns, Hits Seven States | READ IN FULL
After that, the presiding officer in his judgment, explained
that the ground to which the petitioner filed
his petition was based on the fact that the second respondent was not
duly elected, and that the said election was characterized by over voting, as
well as none compliance with electoral guidelines during the election.
READ ALSO:
2023: We Will Soon 'Descend' On Governors Who Use Thugs Against Oppositions- Munguno Warns
He explained that notwithstanding the allegation made
against the PDP candidate, it is clear that there was no concrete evidence by
the petitioner to back up his allegation.
READ ALSO:
ABIA CENTRAL: PDP Chieftain, Equity Foundation Endorse Darlington Nwokocha For Senate
The judge stated that the petitioners application on over
voting and none compliance with electoral laws was not convincing, pointing out
that by virtue of the electoral law, no voter is allowed to vote, whose PVC is
not verified by the electoral body.
READ ALSO:
GRAND RECEPTION: Massive Crowd Endorses Alex Otti for 2027 as He Unveils Bold Plans to Transform Umuahia | WATCH VIDEO
The presiding judge wondered why someone who came third in
the said election will be hinging on over voting and non-compliance with the
electoral acts.
READ ALSO:
Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso Challenges Youths on Enterprise, Leadership, Backs Continuity of Otti's Reforms
He stated that though the amendment of the electoral act was
based on the use of card reader during election, but that the law did not say
that manual accreditation is wrong during election.
READ ALSO:
PICTURES EMERGE: Orji Uzor Kalu finally walks out of prison
The three-man panel judge further hinted that out of over
798 polling units, it was clear that the petitioner has failed to prove his
case in a concrete point.
READ ALSO:
REVEALED: Bende Youths Declare Total Support for Alex Otti's 2027 Return, Back Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso for Reps Seat
Ruling on the matter, the judge dismissed the case on the
fact that the petitioner failed to prove his case on over voting and
non-compliance with the electoral act.
READ ALSO:
A Loyal Force In Abia's Rebirth: Dogo Bende Celebrates Emetu's Leadership And Legacy
Reacting to the judgment, the counsel to the second
respondent Dr. Paul Ananaba [SAN] described the victory as well deserved,
hinting that the petitioner's case was empty and dead on arrival.
READ ALSO:
Gov. Makinde Reveals Cause Of Ibadan Expl0sion | DETAILS + PHOTOS
Dr. Ananaba thanked the panel for doing a thorough job on
the matter, saying that with the victory, such will make the Governor to
continue on his good work in the state.
READ ALSO:
Birthday: Former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu Celebrates Ikechukwu Emetu, Offers Prayers for Strength in Building New Abia
Also speaking, the State Party Chairman APGA Hon. Dr. Nkem
Okoro faulted the judgment, arguing that their candidate had a good evidence
but that he was surprise that his prayers on the outcome of the election, was
not granted.
READ ALSO:
Naira Crunch: Falana Slams CBN For Flouting Supreme Court Order
He however explained that the party will review the
judgments so as to appeal the verdict soon.
