The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Okey Ahaiwe, who was running against Governor Alex Otti in the Abia State election petition, had three grounds for appeal dismissed by the Umuahia-based court.
Ahaiwe’s case was rejected by the tribunal for lack of merit when it handed down its judgement at around 1:20 pm.
Ahaiwe had contested INEC’s declaration that Otti was the legitimately elected governor.
Ahaiwe had pleaded with the court to proclaim him the winner in his petitions through his attorney, Paul Ananaba, SAN.
Among other things, the PDP candidate argued that Otti’s electoral victory was in violation of Section 77 of the Electoral Act.
However, the tribunal denied all of the claims because they were unjustified.
According to OBASANJO NEWS24, the result sparked a spontaneous euphoria among thousands of LP followers who had travelled from various parts of the State. These supporters danced joyfully and in celebration outside the Federal High Court complex.
The tribunal is now handling the lawsuit Ikechi Emenike of the APC filed against Otti.
Emenike is requesting that the tribunal expel Governor Otti on the grounds that he allegedly did not resign from the APC before joining the LP.
Otti’s name was allegedly not on the LP registry when he ran for governor on March 18 according to the APC candidate.
