Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, Friday, threw away all petitions by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Okey Ahiwe, against the victory of Gov. Alex Otti of the Labour Party.
Ahiwe and his party had approached the court, seeking the nullification of Otti’s victory on the following grounds: non-qualification of the Respondent to run, failure to win majority of lawful votes, and irregularities at the poll.
Meanwhile, the Tribunal dismissed all three grounds of the petitions for lack of merit, and subsequently resolved the matters in favour of Otti.
The Tribunal adjourned for 10 minutes for continuation with the judgment on the petition by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Ikechi Emenike against Gov. Otti.
Meanwhile, Counsel to the Petitioners, Chukwuemeka Nworgu, thanked the Tribunal and requested a copy of the judgment to enable his client determine the next line of action after a careful study.
The court room was filled to its brim as lawyers, newsmen and party chieftains competed for space.
The reading of the judgment which began from 9:38 am lasted till 1:12 pm
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