Tribunal Upholds Nwokoye’s Election Dismisses PDP Petition

The Anambra State election petition tribunal sitting in Awka has upheld the election of the member representing Awka North at the Anambra State House of Assembly, John Nwokoye of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Charles Okoye, which asked the tribunal to cancel the state House of Assembly election.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by the chairman of the three man panel, Justice E.O Haruna ruled that the petition was doubtful and lacking in merit. She said that the petitioner had failed to discharge the onus of proof on him in all allegations levelled against the respondent and therefore dismissed the petition.

According to Haruna, the tribunal had considered the following cardinal issues for determination, which includes the qualification of the 3rd respondent to contest the election and whether the conduct of the election substantially complied with the provision of the amended 2010 electoral act.

READ ALSO: CEO Chisco Transport Becomes Chairman Anambra State Security Trust Fund

The tribunal had also considered whether the evidence adduced met the standard of law and weather Nwokoye got the majority of lawful votes cast in the election.

Flanked by Justice Olusanya O Sunday and Justice Destiny .O. Oko, justice Haruna said the petitioner who has asserted has failed to prove and also present another set of results other than that declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) upon which the tribunal may rely.

She therefore dismissed the petition as baseless and lacking in merit after which she upheld the election of the 3rd respondent in line with section 179 (2) of the electoral law.

Nwokoye shortly after the judgment in an interview with journalists said the victory is for Ndi-Awka North who stood firmly behind him since his assumption of office.

Nonso Okafor Tasks Youths On Career Development (Photos)

In his words, “The mandate of my people has been upheld. I dedicate this victory to the entire people of my constituency and to God.
Today is one of the happiest days in my life; I was not panicking as regards what the outcome of the judgment will be because I know I was duly voted for by my people. I am using this opportunity to extend my hands of relationship to my brother Charles Okoye to come lets all of us join hands together to move Awka North forward. There is no victor, no vanquish. We are all one.”