Court Of Appeal Nullifies Election In Akwa Ibom State. - Orders Fresh Election Within 90days. -Udom Runs To Supreme Court.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has nullified the Akwa Ibom State governorship election of April 11, removing the declared winner, Udom Emmanuel, from office.

Mr. Emmanuel’s election was challenged by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Umana Umana.

At the election tribunal, Mr. Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party, had secured partial victory, when the tribunal cancelled election only in 18 out of the State’s 31 local government areas and ordered a rerun. Mr. Emmanuel had challenged the ruling, insisting he won in all 31 LGAs.

The APC candidate, Mr. Umana, also appealed against the ruling, seeking a total nullification of the election setting aside the judgement of the tribunal in the 13 LGAs.

A five-man panel at the Court of Appeal  yesterday  dismissed Emmanuel’s argument, and cancelled the entire election.

The appeal court said the tribunal was wrong in its refusal to comply with section 179 (2) of the Constitution.

The court said having agreed with the evidence of principal witnesses, video evidence, and evidence from state collation agents, the tribunal should have concluded that there was no collation and that votes were merely allotted. indeed where there was no collation, ther cannot be said to be an election.

 

The court of appeal held that the tribunal was wrong in failing to nullify the entire election. It  ruled “The entire election is hereby nullified. The election that brought Mr. Udom is hereby nullified,”

The appeal court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct fresh election within 90 days.

 

Just days ago i brought to you a Statement by the AG of Akwa Ibom State stating unequivocally that the shall be no rerun in the State. What informed his Statement? was it positivity or facts as canvass before the courts?

I did also say that i believe the APC-UMANA camp were also positive that the scale will tilt in thier favour. and it did. there was loud jubilation all over Uyo after the court ruling.  Umana's determination and perseverance paid off. or did it?  Lets watch what will unfold on or before the 90days.