The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, capital, on Monday upheld the election of Governor Dave Umahi the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the March 9, 2019 governorship election in the state.

The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate in the election, Chief Ajah Agha, had petitioned the tribunal on what he termed unlawful exclusion of his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s ballot paper, accusing PDP and its candidate to be behind it.

The sitting, which took place at the state High Court premises, had Justice A. B. Abdukarim presiding.

Delivering the judgment during the sitting which lasted for over three hours, Justice Abdukarim dismissed the petition for lack of merit

The chairman of the tribunal squashed the case, saying: “PDM did not submit the name of their candidate to INEC when they were supposed to do so.

“Also your party did not organise primaries as to produce a candidate according to INEC’s guideline, therefore your petition lacks merit.”

The member representing Ishielu and Ezza North Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, Hon. Anayo Nwonu, has congratulated Governor Umahi on his victory at the tribunal, describing it as a true reflection of the wishes of Ebonyi people.

In a statement issued by his Media Office in Abakaliki, the lawmaker noted that he was not surprised about the governor’s victory owing to the general acceptance and popularity which Umahi’s administration is enjoying in the state.

He said that the petitioners’ decision to challenge the outcome of the election was a nullity as Umahi’s election was adjudged by all observers as credible, free and fair.

Nwonu also commended PDP and the entire people of Ebonyi State for their continuous supports and cooperation for the present leadership in the state.

The lawmaker further expressed satisfaction that Governor Umahi has performed creditably in office.