The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Okey Ahaiwe, who was running against Governor Alex Otti in the Abia State election, has had his three grounds for appeal dismissed by the Umuahia-based election petition tribunal.
Otti’s election as governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has been contested by Ahaiwe. Ahaiwe’s case was rejected by the tribunal for lack of merit when it handed down its judgment at approximately 1:20 pm.
Ahaiwe had pleaded with the court to dismiss Otti and recognize him as the victor in his petitions through his attorney, Paul Ananaba, SAN. Among other things, the PDP candidate argued that Otti’s electoral victory did not follow Section 77 of the Electoral Act. However, the tribunal threw away all the requests, for lacking in merit.
Many LP supporters from different parts of the State reportedly celebrated the triumph by dancing joyfully outside the Federal High Court structure.
