Tribunal Sacks Reps Member

The National Assembly/State House Of Assembly Eletions Petitions Tribunal sitting in Awka, the Anambra state capital, southeast Nigeria, has nullified the election of the member representing Anaocha/njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Iyom Uche Ekwunife of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Y. Mukhtar, who read the two-hour judgement from 11.50 a.m. to 1.50p.m. today amidst tight security, noted that a re-run election would be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at Nimo Wards 1 and 2; Enugwu Ukwu Ward 1(Njikoka Council); Umunnachi Ward 1 (Dunukofia Council) and Diodo polling unit in Anaocha Council within 90 days.

The tribunal, however, declined to invalidate Ekwunife’s declaration or to declare the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr Dozie Nwankwo winner in her stead, pointing out that the allegation of non-compliance with the Electoral Act in her initial declaration was not fully and satisfactorily proved.

Chief Emeka Etiaba, lead counsel to Nwankwo, thanked the panel for their diligence and patience.

The nullification was sequel to the petition filed by Nwankwo who contested for same seat against Ekwunife and others.

Both Ekwunife and Nwankwo were not present in court when the verdict was delivered.

Lawyers, a few politicians and journalists were the only ones allowed into the court room after they were thoroughly frisked by the police and operatives of the State Security Service.

—Chika Chiedozie/Awka