In what appears to be a heavy political blow to the Peoples Democratic Party, House of Representatives tribunal on Wednesday sacked the member representing Igbo Eze North/Udenu federal constituency in Enugu State, Honourable Simon Atigwe.
The tribunal declared Hon Dennis Agbo, the Labour Party candidate, the rightful winner of the rerun election held on February 3rd, 2024.
Agbo initially won his seat during the 2023 general election. However, his victory was later voided by the Court of Appeal, which ordered a rerun in ten polling units.
His lawyers argued that the rerun election was characterized by wrong computation of results and substantial non-compliance to the electoral act among others.
However, in their ruling on Wednesday, 14th August, the Tribunal headed by Justice H N Kunaza said that the petition had merit and declared Dennis Nnamdi Agbo the true winner of the Igbo Eze North/ Udenu Federal constituency.
Justice Kunaza’s panel declared invalid, null and void the 2000 votes added to the PDP candidate and restored the votes of 25th February 2023 of 14229 for the PDP and 28870 for the LP candidate.
Meanwhile, the decision is a significant win for the Labour Party in the region and could influence future political dynamics in the State.
The tribunal’s verdict serves as a reminder of the checks and balances within the electoral system, ensuring that the will of the electorate is respected and upheld.