Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Matthew Adewara said allegations of alteration of results, mutilations and cancellation were proven by the petitioners
Petition tribunal in Enugu yesterday nullified the Enugu East Senatorial election. It ordered that a fresh election be conducted within 90 days.
The tribunal held that the election did not comply with the 2010 Electoral Act as it was marred by irregularities.
Relying on the evidence of the forensic expert, who testified on behalf of Chimaroke Nnamani, the tribunal held that irregularities alleged in the conduct of the election were “gross and fundamental”, noting that it did not comply with the rule on voter accreditation and with proven cases of multiple voting, ballot box stuffing and over- voting.
Nnamani alleged that the conduct of the election was not in compliance with the 2010 Electoral Act.
He challenged the declaration of Nnaji as winner of the election. He alleged that there were widespread irregularities, malpractices and corruption in the conduct of the election
He prayed the tribunal to nullify the result of the election and declare him winner.
Nnamani’s counsel Olusegun Jolawo expressed satisfaction with the judgment, but said their team would have been happier if his client had been returned as winner.
Counsel to INEC Mr. Wilfred Nwabude said the commission would look into the judgment and know its next line of action.
The Justice Hezekiah Solanke-led election petition tribunal sitting in Anambra State has upheld the election of the former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Anambra North.
The tribunal also upheld the election of Eucharia Azodo and Chuchu Onyema, representing Aguata and Ogbaru federal constituencies.
Chief Dubem Obaze of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) challenged Oduah’s victory, alleging that the PDP carted away materials and intimidated security operatives.