The Imo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has today, Friday, May 24, upheld the victory of Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor of Imo State. The tribunal dismissed petitions filed by both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party challenging the results of the November 11, 2023, governorship election.

Earlier today, the tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the Labour Party’s faction led by Athan Achonu. The petition challenged the election on the grounds of the governor’s eligibility and alleged non-compliance with electoral provisions. The tribunal ruled that the issue of eligibility was a pre-election matter within the exclusive purview of the APC, the second respondent. The petitioner, being a non-member of the APC, had no standing to contest it. Additionally, the tribunal found that the Labour Party failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there was non-compliance with electoral provisions during the election.

Similarly, the petition filed by Hon. Chief Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, popularly known as Samdaddy, of the PDP was dismissed. His petition questioned the governor’s qualification to run due to alleged forged certificates and claimed over-voting during the election. The tribunal ruled that Samdaddy did not prove his case beyond reasonable doubt, affirming that Governor Uzodimma’s results were valid and that he was qualified to run. Furthermore, the allegations of over-voting were dismissed as hearsay, lacking substantial evidence.

The tribunal’s decisions were met with jubilation among supporters of the APC. The State Party Chairman of APC, Imo State, Hon. MacDonald Ebere, PhD, expressed happiness with the judgments. Speaking to newsmen, Ebere described the victory as one for all Imolites who voted massively for Governor Uzodimma across the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo state. He emphasized that the Governor would continue delivering dividends of democracy, highlighting the recent payment of gratuities to retired civil servants as an example of his commitment to the people.

Ebere also highlighted the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He pointed out that under Uzodimma’s administration, numerous roads have been constructed and rehabilitated, improving connectivity and boosting the local economy. The chairman noted that the Governor’s efforts in upgrading healthcare facilities have made quality medical services more accessible to the residents of Imo State.

Furthermore, Ebere commended Governor Uzodimma for his focus on education, citing the renovation of schools and provision of learning materials as pivotal steps toward enhancing the quality of education in the state. He also mentioned the Governor’s initiatives to attract investment and create job opportunities, which have started yielding positive results, reducing unemployment rates in the state.

Ebere congratulated Governor Uzodimma, urging him to persist in fulfilling his campaign promises to the citizens of Imo State. He expressed confidence that the Governor’s leadership would bring more development and prosperity to the state. He also called on the opposition to join hands with the Governor to move the state forward, emphasizing the need for unity and collective effort in achieving sustainable development.

The tribunal’s rulings have effectively settled the disputes surrounding the November 11, 2023, governorship election, reaffirming Sen. Hope Uzodimma’s mandate as the Governor of Imo State. As the state moves forward, the focus shifts to governance and the continued delivery of promises made during the election campaign.

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