Tribunal dismisses PDP petition challenging election of Abia gov, Otti

The Abia State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Umuahia on Friday dismissed a petition filed by Okey Ahiwe, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against the election of Alex Otti as governor of the state.

The three-member panel of judges dismissed all petitions by Ahiwe, and his party, the PDP, against the election of Otti.

While delivering the verdict, the tribunal presided over by Justice H. T. D Gwadah, said the PDP’s petition lacked in merit and not worthy of consideration.

The PDP and Ahaiwe, had challenged the outcome of the March 18 poll which was won by Otti, on grounds including the non-qualification of Otti to contest the governorship election, non-membership of the LP at the time of the election, provision of authentic National Youth Service Corps certificate and inability to prove corrupt practices.

READ ALSO:Abia youths warn Otti against using state’s funds to finance Peter Obi’s petition against Tinubu

The tribunal noted that the PDP failed to lead evidence on the allegation of forgery of the NYSC certificate leveled against Otti and could therefore not prove their case.

The tribunal insisted that no witness called by the petitioners spoke on documents tendered to prove their allegation of overvoting which made the documents of no value.

It added that the petitioners failed to prove their claim that the result of Obingwa Local Government Area was taken to Abuja where it was allegedly doctored before being brought back to Abia to be declared.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now