The National Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Awka yesterday upheld the victory of Sen. Andy Ubah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 28, 2015 senatorial election for Anambra South senatorial zone as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ubah was dragged to the election tribunal by the senatorial candidate for All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ernest Ndukwe, who is laying claim to being the winner of the said election.

Delivering the more than four hours judgement that crept into the night, Justice Naya Abagana, who used demeaning language to describe the petition, said that the petitioner failed to mention those he accused of committing electoral fraud in the course of the election.

On the issue of the first respondent not being qualified to contest election in view of not having WAEC certificate, the tribunal quoted Sections 109 and 65A of the Electoral Act, saying that even a mere First School Leaving Certificate is enough qualification for any Nigerian citizen that is above 35 years with a political party backing to contest National Assembly election.

He said: “The petitioner is incompetent in evidence. There is no ground of malpractices and it cannot affect the result of the election unless it is substantiated.

“The petitioner did not know the number of polling units in Ihiala. The case of the petitioner collapses like a pack of cards.”

Earlier in the day, second tribunal dismissed the petition brought by Emeka Ojukwu Jnr. of APGA against the PDP candidate, Hon Chris Azubogu, who is an incumbent legislator, for lacking evidence.

•Photo shows Senator Andy Uba.

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