By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has celebrated his recent victory at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, emphasizing the triumph of constitutional democracy. Following the tribunal’s judgment, Governor Nwifuru expressed his unwavering confidence in the nation’s judiciary.
Addressing the media shortly after the verdict, Governor Nwifuru stated, “I had appealed to my fellow contestants not to challenge the people’s resounding decision in the March 18 election. Today, the Tribunal has unanimously dismissed all the claims raised against me.”
The Governor went on to recount his political journey, highlighting his switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November 2020. He explained, “I joined the APC on November 9, 2020, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) took legal action against me. Initially, Justice Ekwo ruled in their favor, but we appealed the judgment and sought a stay of execution, which was eventually granted after the case was withdrawn.”
Furthermore, Governor Nwifuru underlined the electoral act’s provisions, stating, “The law is clear that once you contest primaries in a political party, and the party sends your name to INEC, making you their sponsored candidate, you automatically become a member of that party.”
On his resignation from the PDP, the Governor clarified that he followed proper procedures by submitting his resignation letter to the PDP ward chairman.
He said, “The Votes and Proceedings of the House and my resignation letter both clearly indicate my departure from the party. Nonetheless, they took the matter to court, alleging that I didn’t resign. Regrettably, a senior lawyer went to the extent of forging documents and presenting them to the court, claiming that my resignation letter was not signed. I urge the Nigerian Bar Association and Body of Benchers to review the conduct of this lawyer who engaged in document forgery and presented it to the court.”
Governor Nwifuru concluded by expressing his gratitude to the people of Ebonyi for their steadfast support and pledged to continue working diligently to foster the development of the state.