Sophia Michaels
The Lagos Court of Appeal has rejected the appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and their respective governorship candidates challenging the election of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
In a unanimous decision on Saturday, the three-man Appeal Court panel upheld the victory of Otti at the polls, saying that it conformed with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The appellate court ruled that petitions brought by the appellants lacked in merit, as they were like “a comedy skit brought to a democratic setting”.
The court said issues of political party membership is a pre-election matter, which also falls within the jurisdiction of the political party.
It further said since Otti joined the Labour Party, won its primary election and submitted his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he was qualified to contest.
On the issues of Bimodial Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, brought by the PDP and its candidate, the appeal court said the appellants failed to demonstrate or link their documentary evidence to the specific parts of the case.
The judgement has sparked celebration among the supporters of Governor Otti in some parts of the State.
