As the Enugu State governorship elections held on March 18, 2023, continue to spark controversy, it is essential to shed light on the contentious issues surrounding the results. While the focus has been primarily on Peter Mbah’s NYSC certificate forgery, it is crucial not to overlook the critical grounds of the petition raised by Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party (LP). The pursuit of justice and fairness demands that we consider the arithmetical errors committed against Edeoga at the collation centers and address the issue of over voting in specific polling units. If these issues are properly addressed by the court, Chijioke Edeoga deserves to be declared the rightful winner.
In the aftermath of the election, Edeoga and his supporters have been persistent in challenging the results, alleging discrepancies in the collation process. Reports of arithmetical errors committed against him by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have raised doubts about the integrity of the election. It is imperative for the court to thoroughly investigate these claims and rectify any missteps that may have occurred during the collation process. Only by addressing these errors can we ensure the sanctity of the election results and uphold the principles of democracy.
Another crucial aspect of the petition centers around over voting in certain polling units, particularly in Ugbawka and Owo Local Government Areas, which fall under the jurisdiction of Mr. Peter Mbah. Over voting, where the number of votes cast exceeds the total number of accredited voters, is a grave violation of the democratic process. As per the law, such polling units should be canceled to prevent the distortion of the election results.
The court must meticulously examine the evidence and take appropriate action to rectify the situation. Canceling the affected polling units is necessary to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and protect the rights of the electorate. It is through this rigorous scrutiny and adherence to the rule of law that the true will of the people can be accurately reflected.
Chijioke Edeoga’s relentless pursuit of justice in the face of these challenges is a testament to his commitment to the people of Enugu State. His dedication to transparency and fairness in the electoral process showcases his suitability to lead the state towards progress and prosperity. By continuing to challenge the election results on legitimate grounds, Edeoga demonstrates a determination to uphold the democratic principles that are fundamental to our society.
The focus should not be solely on the NYSC certificate forgery issue surrounding Peter Mbah. While that is a significant matter that requires investigation, it should not overshadow the critical grounds of the petition raised by Chijioke Edeoga. The court must thoroughly address the arithmetical errors committed against Edeoga and investigate the allegations of over voting in specific polling units. Only by ensuring justice and fairness can we determine the true winner of the Enugu State governorship election. If the court properly addresses these issues, Chijioke Edeoga deserves to be declared the rightful winner and entrusted with the responsibility to lead the state towards a brighter future.
