The national state house of assembly election petitions tribunal court 2 has dismissed the petition filed by Uzor Azubuike against Ossy Prestige in the Aba north and south federal constituency.
In a unanimous judgement, the 3-man panel, headed by Justice Cornelius Akintayo held that the petitioner, Uzo Azubuike’s participation in the re-run election in March 9, made him bound by its outcome.
The panel maintained that the petitioner, who alleged that there was deliberate exclusion of 14 polling units results, never challenged the decision of INEC to conduct a re-run election..
The tribunal therefore, declared the election valid and lawful adding that the respondent, Ossy Prestige was validly returned.
He further awarded a N500,000 against the petitioner, Uzo Azubuike.
Reacting to the judgment shortly after proceedings, counsel to petitioner, barrister Chibuike Nwogu said they canvassed their case and the tribunal has delivered their judgment which he noted is not final but appealable.
He added that the court of appeal will decide it.
Similarly, the 3-man panel equally dismissed the petition filed by Mascot Uzo Kalu of the APC against Ossy Prestige of the All progressive grand alliance in the same Aba north and south federal constituency election.
The Justice Akintayo panel, while dismissing the petition, held that the petitioner’s failure to put the date of the substantive election held Feb 23, till the date of announcement of the result, renders the petition ineffective and
incompetent.
According to the tribunal, the petitioner, Mascot Uzo Kalu is seeking to be moved from 3rd to over and above the first runner-up and the winner but failed to join Uzo Azubuike in the suit.
It further awarded a N100, 000 fine against the petitioner, Mascot Kalu and in favour of the respondents.
