The Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has made a ruling regarding the petition brought forward by Chidioke Edeoga, the Labour Party candidate. He contested the election held on March 18 against Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The tribunal, led by Justice Kudirat Morayo, has struck out Edeoga’s claims of over-voting and bypassing BVAS.
The tribunal also emphasised that the witnesses presented by the Labour Party candidate were not accredited by INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) and thus failed to meet the electoral guidelines’ requirements. In response to the allegation of a forged NYSC discharge certificate against Mbah, the tribunal ruled that Mbah met the constitutional qualifications for a gubernatorial candidate, asserting that the NYSC certificate was not among the required qualifications.
Consequently, the court declared that Mbah had been rightfully elected as governor, having received the majority of lawful and valid votes during the election. Furthermore, the court ruled that the petitioner failed to substantiate their claims of forgery and that Mbah had indeed secured the majority of the votes cast.
In response to the tribunal’s decision, Dr. Valerie Azinge, the counsel for the Labour Party, announced their intention to appeal the judgment.
Governor Mbah expressed his appreciation for the tribunal’s decision, which also dismissed the petitions of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the LP candidates challenging his victory in the March 18, 2023, governorship election. He regarded the judgment as a triumph for democracy and the people of Enugu State.
Mbah extended an olive branch to opposition candidates and their political parties, emphasizing the need for collective effort in building Enugu. He affirmed his commitment to working with individuals from all political backgrounds.
Addressing the people of Enugu State at the Government House, Mbah celebrated the tribunal’s decision as a significant moment in the state’s history. He thanked God for the victory and commended the tribunal for its fair and just decision. He reiterated his confidence in the judiciary as the ultimate custodian of justice.
Mbah called for unity among political opponents, stressing that it was time to set aside partisanship and focus on the task of building a better Enugu State. He urged his supporters to show magnanimity in victory, declaring that politics was over, and governance had begun.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises and urged the people to hold him accountable for these commitments. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the people of Enugu State for their unwavering support and pledged to work tirelessly for their benefit.