In a recent series of rulings, the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has reshaped the outcomes of several constituencies across Nigeria.
Umuahia: The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, convened in Umuahia on Monday, September 11, 2023, has invalidated Okwara’s victory and declared Dan Okeke of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner of the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election in the constituency. The tribunal’s decision came after Okeke contested Okwara’s victory, citing non-compliance with electoral laws. Justice Adeyinka Aderegbegbe, leading a three-member panel, upheld Okeke’s claims and officially declared him the victor. The tribunal also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke the certificate of return previously issued to the Labour Party (LP) candidate, granting it to Okeke.
Abia North/South Federal Constituency: Another Labour Party lawmaker, Nnamani, representing Abia North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, faced a similar fate. The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Umuahia ruled in favor of Alex Ikwechegh of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), declaring him the legitimate winner of the election.
Lagos, Eti Osa Federal Constituency: In Lagos, the tribunal sitting in Ikeja invalidated Thaddeus Attah’s election as the Representative of the Eti Osa Federal Constituency of Lagos State under the Labour Party. The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days in 32 polling units of Eti-Osa to determine the rightful winner.
