As the Supreme Court begins hearing on the appeal on the Abia state governorship election between Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti; tension has enveloped Aba, Abia State, as news rent the air that the apex court may deliver judgment on the matter.
A visit to most areas of the city reveal that policemen and soldiers have taken strategic positions at major junction and roads identified as flash points where there are likely to be violence.
Recall that Ikpeazu had approached the Supreme Court challenging the judgment of the Appeal Court, Owerri Division, Imo State which sacked him and declared Alex Otti as the governor of the state.
247ureports.com gathered that members of the two parties were optimistic that the Supreme Court would rule in their favour, others were skeptical of the outcome of the judgment. Supporters of the two parties across the 17 council areas of the state were yesterday mobilized to Abuja ahead of today’s sitting of the Supreme Court.
Investigations revealed that supporters of both parties have booked for drink and foods in anticipation of the victory of their candidates should the Supreme Court decides to rule on the matter today. Many people are now gathered at some public places calling their members who travelled to Abuja for update of the situation.
Some of them expressed fears, but stated that that have the faith in the ability of the apex court to do all justice on the matter.
According to a PDP supporter, “What happened in Rivers and Ebonyi state matters respectively when they came up for hearing at the Supreme Court may repeated itself today. I speak to you now; we are expecting victory because Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu won the election. Supreme Court is the highest court of the land and whatever their decision is, we will abide by it. But I am sure that our candidate will get a fair hearing.”
A resident who identified himself as an APGA supporters told 247ureports.com that they are sure of victory for their candidate, Dr. Alex Otti. Hear him, “There is no doubt that the Supreme Court will accept the verdict of the Appeal court and affirm Alex Otti. It is no big deal if the judgment does not favour us. One thing is clear that Dr.Alex Otti has changed the face of Abia state politics.”
