Imo State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Hope Uzodinma, has petitioned the Election Tribunal, sitting in Owerri, over the outcome of the March 9 governorship poll in the state. Uzodinma in petition marked EPT/ Gov/Im/08/2019 is challenging Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s declaration and presentation of Certificate of Return to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Emeka Ihedioha as governor-elect.
The petition has Uzodinma and APC as first and second petitioners, while Ihedioha, PDP and INEC are first, second and third respondents. Speaking to The Guardian in Owerri at the weekend, APC Caretaker Committee Publicity Secretary, Enyinnia Onuegbu, expressed optimism that the party would get justice at the tribunal.
According to him, the party got majority of votes cast during the poll and deserved to win, but was denied victory due to manipulation of the electoral process. He said the poll was characterised by irregularities, wrongful cancellation of the party’s votes and one that does not represent the interest of the people.
He said, “APC was rigged out from the 27 local government areas of the state. For us, APC deserves to win except for INEC’s machinations. Of course, more than half of PDP votes came from one side. Does that represent the interest of Imo people?“We have submitted ourselves to due process of court. The decision is for the court, but everyone who goes to court hopes to win if the court favours him.”
Meanwhile, Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has asked the leadership of APC and members of the National Assembly to allow Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila to be President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
