ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Enugu State governorship election petitions tribunal has affirmed the victory of Governor Peter Mbah in the 18 March, 2023 governorship election.
The judgment which was delivered on Thursday afternoon, favoured Governor Mbah, of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).
The judgment was delivered by Justice Kudirat Akano, on behalf of the panel.
The Governor’s challenger, Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party, had asked the tribunal to nullify Governor Mbah’s victory.
The Labour Party governorship candidate had prayed the court to declare him the validly elected governor of Enugu State.
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Among the contentious matters before the tribunal was the authenticity of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate presented by Mbah to contest the election, with the Labour Party alleging that the Governor failed to fulfil his mandatory youth service obligations before assuming a political post in 2003.
According to the panel members, the petitioner could not prove an allegation of forgery because the NYSC witness who did that was not a witness before them.
The broader issues surrounding Mbah’s election victory also encompass fierce debates regarding the validity of the votes accrued during the electoral process.
Furthermore, allegations of extensive electoral malpractice and rigging have cast a shadow over the outcome, particularly in Owo and Ugbawka.