The National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal in Enugu has declared Festus Uzor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency election, sacking Sunday Umeha of the Labour Party (LP). The tribunal ruled that Umeha failed to properly resign from the PDP before running as an LP candidate, and that his resignation letter was signed by someone who was no longer a leader of the PDP. INEC has been directed to issue a fresh certificate of return to Uzor.
In a landmark ruling, the National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Enugu has removed Sunday Umeha of the Labour Party (LP) as the representative of Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency in Enugu State. The tribunal, led by Justice A.M. Abubakar, declared Festus Uzor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the 25 February poll.
The key basis for the tribunal's decision was Umeha's failure to properly resign from the PDP before becoming the LP candidate. According to the ruling, even the resignation letter provided by Umeha was signed by someone who was no longer a leader within the PDP. This undermined the legitimacy of Umeha's candidacy and led the tribunal to declare Uzor as the duly elected representative of the Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency.
The tribunal's ruling is a significant blow not only to Umeha but also to the Labour Party, as it effectively removes their representation in the National Assembly. The decision reaffirms the importance of adherence to party rules and processes in Nigerian politics, highlighting the need for political candidates to ensure all legal requirements are met before contesting elections.
Following the tribunal's decision, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been directed to issue a fresh certificate of return to Festus Uzor. This reinstates his position as the officially recognized and elected representative of the Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions among the political class and citizens alike. Supporters of Uzor and the PDP celebrated the decision, viewing it as a victory for justice and democracy. On the other hand, Umeha's removal has been met with disappointment from his party and his supporters, who believe his candidacy was legitimate.
This tribunal ruling sends a strong message to both political parties and aspiring candidates, underscoring the importance of adhering to party guidelines and regulations. It serves as a reminder that political parties must uphold internal democracy and ensure candidates meet all necessary requirements to avoid potential disqualification.
Going forward, INEC should take note of this ruling and work towards promoting transparency and fairness in the electoral process. It is crucial that similar cases are expeditiously handled to maintain public confidence and reinforce the credibility of election outcomes.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-13 News
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