Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the capital of Abia state, has sacked the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Ibe Okwara of the Labour Party–LP and declared APC’s Dan Okeke winner of the February 25 National Assembly election in the constituency.
Honourable Okwara who was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission—INEC, winner of the election in February was removed by the tribunal in a landmark judgement.
Daniel Chimezie Okeke of the All Progressives Congress—APC, who challenged the outcome of the election in the court was eventually declared the actual winner of the poll.
Mr Daniel Okeke who was not satisfied with the declaration of Okwara as the winner of the poll by INEC, had approached the court to seek the nullification of the election after he raised allegations of irregularities.
The three-member tribunal headed by Justice Adeyinka Aderegbegbe, convinced by his argument, granted the relief of the petitioners and ruled that Ibe did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
It subsequently declared the APC candidate, the winner of the February 25 national assembly poll and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission—INEC, to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Ibe and issue a fresh one to Daniel Okeke.
Also, another National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, sacked the lawmaker representing Abia North/South federal constituency in the house of representatives, Hon. Emeka Nnamani of the Labour Party.
The three man tribunal declared Alex Ikwechegh of the All Progressives Grand Alliance—APGA winner of the house of reps election for Abia North/South federal constituency held on 25 February 2023.