By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The candidates of the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Imo State governorship election on November 11, Senator Nathan Achonu and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, respectively, are determined to see their cases against Governor Hope Uzodimma to the Supreme Court following the Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling in his favor.
During a press conference in Abuja, Senator Achonu expressed profound sadness and disappointment upon receiving the judgment. He highlighted that the Tribunal’s decision to dismiss his petition was based on his failure to prove substantial noncompliance with the Electoral Act during the Imo State Governorship Election on November 11, 2023, primarily due to the absence of the BVAS Machine in his evidence.
Senator Achonu emphasized his unwavering faith in democracy and the Nigerian judicial system despite the unfavorable judgment. He declared his intention to challenge the ruling all the way to the Supreme Court, confident that justice would prevail with the presence of upright and incorruptible justices in the Judiciary.
Furthermore, Senator Achonu revealed plans to seek a Mandamus order compelling the Attorney General of the Federation to take action against INEC officers and Collation/Returning Officers responsible for electoral offenses. He also recounted instances of insecurity and intimidation faced during the election period, emphasizing his commitment to restoring the people’s mandate through legal means.
In a similar vein, Sir Chidi Dike, the state chairman of the PDP, criticized the election tribunal judges for allegedly disregarding the presented facts and evidence in their judgment. He announced the PDP’s decision to appeal the Tribunal’s ruling at the Court of Appeal, asserting that the people of Imo State had rejected the APC candidate in favor of the PDP due to dissatisfaction with the APC’s governance.
