Apparently in an effort to beat the 180 days deadline guideline for the conclusion of election petition matters, the tribunal sitting in Awka, Anambra state, yesterday read two judgments in pending cases that arose as a result of re-run polls in the state.
In the two cases, one for the Idemili state Constituency and the Anocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal constituency respectively, the All progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), retained the National Assembly seat where Mr Dozie Nwankwo of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) challenged the declaration of Iyom Uche Ekwunife of APGA as victorious in the Feb 15, 2012 re-run poll.
While the ACN won the Idemili South state constituency where Tony Uche Ezekwelu of the APGA failed to prove his allegation of massive electoral irregularities against Ebele Obi, the ACN candidate.
In its two hour judgement read by Chairman of the three man panel, Justice G. Kaigama dismissed Nwankwo’s petition for lack of merit. It was for same reason that the petition by Ezekwelu was dismissed.
However the counsel for Nwankwo, Olusola Dare said they would likely appeal as soon as they get copy of the judgment and approval of the petitioner. The counsel for INEC, Sulaiman Ibrahim commended the panel for being meticulous. He noted that the verdict has reaffirmed the INEC as an impartial umpire.
The Youth Leader for Ekwunife’s Campaign organization, Sunday Nwankwo said it was a victory for the rule of law, and urged that the respondent be allowed ample time to concentrate in her legislative duties.
