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Court of Appeal, Owerri Division, sitting in Lagos, has dismissed the petition brought before it by the candidate of Labour Party (LP), Victoria Onwubiko, challenging the election of a member representing Obingwa-West state constituency, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the suit lacked merit.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Aliyu-led three-man panel, the court held that the petitioner failed to prove that the election was marred by over-voting and disenfranchisement of voters.
Onwubiko had prayed the court to re-conduct elections in 82 polling units, alleging that some electorate were disenfranchised but the court dismissed it.
The court held that the petitioner did not lead any evidence on the alleged disenfranchisement of voters, maintaining that lawyer’s address could not be a substitute for an evidence in court.
The appellate court pointed out that the petitioner also failed to provide the disenfranchised voters to testify at the tribunal.
Reacting to the ruling, lead counsel to the Abia lawmaker, Hagler Okorie, hailed the court for ensuring justice prevailed against all odds, adding that it was victory for democracy.
In his remarks, counsel to the PDP, Emeka Eze, who thanked the tribunal for ensuring justice prevailed on the matter, said it was victory for the rule of law.
Chairman, House Committee on Public Service, and member representing Obingwa-West state constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Jnr, hailed the appellate court for the judgment, noting that it was a victory for democracy and his constituents, whose mandate he regards as sacred. He thanked the court for the ruling, reiterating his commitments to his constituents for keeping faith with him while the case lasted in the court.
He promised not to let his constituents down but ensured quality representation.
