governor of the State.
Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, (APGA), Dr. Alex Otti
and his party, who came third at the governorship election held on 9th
March 2019 had approached the tribunal seeking nullification of
Ikpeazu’s election as governor.
Otti had asked for rerun in 15 local government areas of the State
Chairman of the three panel, Justice Lekan Ogumoye, in his ruling
dismissed the petition filed by Otti and APGA, as lacking in merit.
Justice Ogumoye said the petitioners failed to prove the alleged non
compliance to the Electoral Guidelines in the 15 local government areas,
that they could not prove the allegation of over-voting and
irregularities, which they ought to have done polling unit by polling
unit and Ward by Ward.
The tribunal stated that all the reliefs sought by Otti and APGA were
dismissed because they could not prove the criminal allegations beyond
reasonable doubt stressing that it was not the duty of the tribunal to
investigate such allegations and described the application as
unmeritorious.
Describing the evidence adduced by the petitioners, as hearsay, the
tribunal held that their witnesses were Ward, local government and state
collation agents who were not physically present to witness the action
as their evidence.
It also said the petitioners alleged over voting in 798 polling units
but only called witnesses in few polling units, adding that the action
amounted to dumping of documents on the tribunal while it was not its
duty to investigate.
Counsel to Gov. Ikpeazu, Chief Paul Ananaba, SAN, commended the Tribunal
for delivering what he considered as unbiased and sound judgment.
Representative of Dr.Otti’s lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said “the
judgment has moved the law forward. The position of the tribunal is that
the decision of the Supreme Court in the case regarding card reader is
no longer the law. The law has been amended. The tribunal actually
agreed that the law has changed. There is an amendment now.”
In his reaction to the judgment, Gov. Ikpeazu extended hand of
fellowship to Dr Otti to join in developing the state. According to him,
there is space for everybody to contribute to the development of the
state. He assured that his administration will be more committed and
dedicated in its service to the people.