The ruling, which was announced on Monday, July 24, comes as a result of the tribunal's findings that Ngozi Okolie was not properly sponsored by the Labour Party, as he was not a registered party member as of May 28, 2022, the date when the primary election was purportedly held.
The runner-up in the February 25, 2023, National Assembly election, Ndudi Elumelu of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), emerged as the beneficiary of the tribunal's decision, as he was declared the rightful winner of the constituency's seat in the House of Representatives.
Ndudi Elumelu, who previously held the position of Minority Leader of the House, had filed a petition urging the tribunal to disqualify Ngozi Okolie, who had been initially declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Following the tribunal's verdict, jubilation has erupted among members and supporters of the People's Democratic Party on various social media platforms. The ruling has been met with enthusiastic reactions, with many celebrating the affirmation of Ndudi Elumelu as their chosen representative.
This landmark judgment has raised discussions about the importance of due process and party adherence in electoral politics. The tribunal's ruling reinforces the significance of complying with the electoral guidelines and party regulations when contesting in political races.
As the dust settles after this contentious legal battle, political stakeholders and the public eagerly await any further developments that may arise from this verdict. The Labour Party is likely to consider its legal options, and Ndudi Elumelu is expected to take up his mandate as the duly declared winner of the Aniocha/Oshimili Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
The nullification of Ngozi Okolie's election and the declaration of Ndudi Elumelu as the winner are set to reshape the political landscape of the constituency, potentially impacting legislative decisions and representation at the national level.
For now, all eyes remain on the fallout from this tribunal's ruling, as the affected parties assess the implications and chart their respective courses of action in light of this decision.
