JUST IN : Uzodimma remains Imo governor – Supreme Court

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In a significant ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court confirmed the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who emerged victorious in the governorship election held on November 11, 2023.

The apex court’s decision was delivered by a five-member panel, with Justice Mohammed Idris authoring the lead judgment. The court dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, stating that the case lacked merit. Justice Idris addressed all the issues presented in the appeal, ruling against the appellants.

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Similarly, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal brought forward by the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Athan Achonu, labeling it as unmeritorious. In his judgment, Justice Idris explained that the appellants, who had challenged the election results at the tribunal, failed to substantiate their claims adequately.

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The judgment effectively upheld the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Imo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, both of which had previously dismissed the appellants’ petitions.

On July 16, the Court of Appeal in Abuja rejected the appeal by the PDP and Anyanwu, affirming Uzodinma’s election as governor. The three-member panel, led by Justice Bitrus Sanga, concluded that the appeal lacked merit after resolving all issues against the appellants.

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The Labour Party’s appeal, along with a similar appeal by the Allied Peoples Movement, was also dismissed by the appellate court. Dissatisfied with the tribunal’s judgment, the appellants had approached the Court of Appeal, arguing that the November 11 election was marred by irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. They also questioned Governor Uzodinma’s qualifications, alleging that his West African Examination Certificate (WAEC) was forged.

However, the Court of Appeal determined that the appellants failed to prove their allegations of non-compliance and forgery, leading to the dismissal of their case.