The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia,the Abia state capital has dismissed the petition filed by Alex Otti of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) against Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) describing the petition as unmeritorious.
The Tribunal also declared Governor Ikpeazu as the duly elected governor of Abia state at the March 9, 2019 Governorship election. Recall that Dr. Alex Otti and his party, APGA who came a distance third position, behind the APC in the governorship election had approached the tribunal seeking nullification of the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and subsequent rerun of election in some Local Government Areas of the State.
Delivering a unanimous judgement, Chairman of the panel, Justice Lekan Ogumonye held that the petitioner failed to prove his allegations of over voting and non compliance with the electoral guidelines in 15 Local government Areas of the state in the conduct of the election and dismissed the petition for lacking in merit. The Judge equally said that the petitioners failed to prove their case of over-voting and alleged irregularities in Polling Units and Wards, adding that all the relief sought by Otti and APGA were dismissed and described the application as unmeritorious. In his reaction, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu while expressing gratitude to God dedicated his victory to the people of the state, who spoke through their ballot papers during the governorship election,saying that their mandate has been reconfirmed by the tribunal. He thanked the judiciary for being the last hope for the common man. Ikpeazu who extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents, urged them to sheath their sword, respect the will of the people and join in the onerous task of building a new Abia.He used the opportunity to rededicate himself to the service of Abia people. “We are going to be far more dedicated,far more committed to the service of our people and we are going to be ruthless in our pursuit,our vision,our focus and agenda to make Abia a better place for Ndi Abia. “Once again i seize this opportunity to extend my hands of fellowship to the APGA candidate and others who contested in that election. As i speak, about five candidates have come to participate in our policy making in trying to fashion out a good direction for Abia in the next four years. “I therefore want to invite the APGA candidate to sheath his sword and respect the will of the people and join in the onerous task of building a new Abia,Ikpeazu said.
In his reaction,Counsel to the respondent, Chief Paul Analaba (SAN) appreciated the Tribunal for delivering unbiased and sound judgement. Also the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka while describing the petition as dead on arrival,said the petition cannot stand even if it is taken to the Appellate court,adding that the petition is baseless.
