The National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Enugu has nullified the election victory of Hon. Okey Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 House of Assembly poll for Nkanu East constituency.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had initially declared Hon. Okey Mbah as the rightful winner of the election. However, in a landmark ruling delivered on Friday, the tribunal stated that the electoral process failed to meet the provisions of the 2022 electoral act.
The three-man panel, presided over by Honourable Justice Adie Attoe Onyebueke, delivered this judgment in response to a petition filed by the Labour Party candidate, Surv. Okwudiri Nnaji. The tribunal's findings revealed significant irregularities in the election, particularly in polling units within Ugbawka and Owo wards.
One of the key issues highlighted by the tribunal was the disparity between the number of votes counted and the number of registered and accredited voters in these areas. This discrepancy raised serious doubts about the fairness and validity of the election results, prompting the tribunal to take decisive action.
Consequently, the tribunal has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a rerun election in the affected polling units within the next 90 days. This decision underscores the commitment of the tribunal to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that the voice of the people is accurately represented.
The nullification of Hon. Okey Mbah's victory has sent shockwaves through the political landscape in Nkanu East constituency and Enugu state as a whole. The upcoming rerun election is expected to be closely watched, as it will determine the fate of the representation of the constituency in the House of Assembly.
This development serves as a stark reminder of the critical role played by the judiciary in safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring that elections are free, fair, and transparent. The residents of Nkanu East constituency eagerly await the upcoming rerun election, hoping for a resolution that truly reflects their democratic will.
