The Court of Appeal, Owerri Division, sitting in Lagos, Lagos State, has dismissed the petition brought before it by the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mrs Victoria Onwubiko, challenging the election of the member representing Obingwa-West State constituency, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), saying that the suit lacked merit.
In a unanimous judgement delivered today by Hon. Justice Aliyu-led three-man panel, the Court held that the petitioner, Mrs. Victoria Dibunma Onwubiko, failed to prove that the election that produced Erondu Jnr was marred with over-voting, disinfranchisment of voters among others during the March 18, 2023 elections.
Mrs. Onwubiko had prayed the court to re-conduct elections in 82 Polling Units (PUs), alleging that some electorates were disfranchised but the court dismissed it.
The court further held that the Petitioner did not lead any evidence on alleged disinfranchisment of voters, maintaining that lawyer’s address cannot be a substitute to evidence in court.
The Appellate Court pointed out that the petitioner also failed to provide disenfranchised voters to testify at the tribunal.
Reacting to the ruling, the Lead Counsel to the Abia Lawmaker, Dr. Hagler Okorie, hailed the Court for ensuring that justice prevailed against all odds, adding that it was victory for democracy.
In his remarks, the counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Eze, who thanked the tribunal for ensuring that justice prevailed on the matter, said it was victory for the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, House Committee on Public Service and the member representing Obingwa-West State constituency in ABHA, Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, has hailed the Appellate Court for the judgment, noting that it was a victory for democracy and his constituents, whose mandate he regards as sacred.
He thanked the Court for the ruling, reiterating his commitments to his constituents for keeping faith with him while the case lasted in the court.
The Uhie-born legislator promised not to let his constituents down but ensured quality representation.
