Umeh vs Ekwunife: Judgement day getting nearer

Umeh vs Ekwunife: Judgement day getting nearer

Tuesday, August 18, 2015 6:14 pm


Senator Uche Ekwunife

Senator Uche Ekwunife

The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal for Anambra state on Tuesday fixed 10 September for adoption of addresses in the petition filed by Chief Victor Umeh of APGA against Sen. Uche Ekwunife (PDP-Anambra Central).

This followed the conclusion of hearing in the matter before the three-member panel led by Justice Nayai Aganaba in Awka.

Umeh and his party, APGA, had filed the petition challenging the victory of Ekwunife in the March 28 poll for Anambra Central Senatorial District on grounds of alleged electoral malpractices.

During the trial, Umeh, who alleged infractions mostly in polling units where Ekwunife was declared winner, prayed the tribunal to cancel the results in the affected areas and order a recount of the votes.

He said that the figures reflected during the declaration of the final result by INEC was different from the one made public after the counting of the votes.

Umeh further contended that the issuance of ballot papers in pieces and the large disparity in figures of accredited voters and votes in some polling units affected the credibility of the election.

However, in defending her victory, Ekwunife maintained that she won the poll squarely and further alleged same infractions in polling units where Umeh was also declared the winner.

She said that the infractions were minor and not substantial enough to warrant the cancellation of the election.

While adjourning the matter, Aganaba urged counsels in the matter to file their written addresses and reply before the next adjourned date.


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