Tribunal upholds Umahi’s election, dismisses PDM’s petition

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital on Monday upheld the election of Governor David Umahi, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the March 9 2019 governorship election in the state.

Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate in the election, Chief Ajah Agha had petitioned the tribunal on what he termed the unlawful exclusion of his name in the INEC ballot paper, accusing PDP and its candidate instigating the exclusion of his name.

The sitting which took place at the state High Court premises had Justice A.B. Abdukarim as chairman of the panel.

Delivering the judgment after a three- hour hearing, Justice Abdukarim dismissed the petition filed by the PDM for lack of merit

The tribunal chairman quashed the case, saying that “PDM did not submit the name of their candidate to INEC when they were supposed to do so.

“Also, your party did not organize primaries as to produce a candidate according to INEC’s guidelines; therefore, your petition lacks merit.”

Reacting to the ruling, the member representing Ishielu and Ezza North Federal Constituency, Rep. Anayo Nwonu congratulated Governor Umahi on his victory at the tribunal.

Rep. Nwonu noted that the tribunal’s judgement which affirmed the victory of the state governor is a true reflection of the wishes of Ebonyi state people which they demonstrated during the March 11, 2019 governorship poll.

In a statement issued by his media office in Abakaliki, the lawmaker noted that he is not surprised about the governor’s victory owing to the general acceptance and popularity which Umahi’s administration is enjoying in the state.

He said that the petitioners’ decision to challenge the outcome of the election was a nullity as Umahi’s election was adjudged by all observers as credible, free and fair.

Rep. Nwonu also commended the PDP and the entire people of the state for their continuous support and cooperation for the present leadership in the state.

The lawmaker further expressed satisfaction that the governor has performed creditably well in office.