Tribunal Upholds Ikpeazu’s Election, Dismisses Alex Otti’s Petition

The Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia has affirmed the election of Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Delivering the two hours judgement yesterday, Chairman of the three-man panel, Justice Usman Bwala said the petitioner, Dr. Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) failed to prove allegations of criminality and over voting in three local government areas beyond reasonable doubt.

Bwala said: “the petitioner’s prayer for cancellation of the results of the election in three local government areas of Osisioma, Obingwa and Isiala-Ngwa North, based on the fact that the returning officer for the election in the state had cancelled the three local government areas results during collation and later reversed himself and at the same time wants to be declared winner of the election was contradictory.

Justice Bwala said, “the petitioner cannot ask for cancellation and at the same time wants to be declared winner.” He dismissed the case without awarding any cost, saying that “the petition failed and hereby dismissed.”

Reacting to the judgement, Governor Ikpeazu described the verdict as a reaffirmation of his victory having been declared winner since May.

He said, “What happened today was that the tribunal affirmed our victory because we were declared winners since May. I thank God for the victory and Abia people for their support.”

The governor used the opportunity to call on those who are aggrieved with the outcome of the election to join hands with his government to develop the state, saying that “Victory today is victory for Abia and victory for service.”