Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki has upheld the election of Senator Anthony Okorie Ani, affirming his position as the representative of the Ebonyi South senatorial zone.
In its ruling, the tribunal dismissed the petitions filed by Labour Party candidate Linus Okorie and thebcandidate of People’s Democratic Party, Joseph Onu Silas, stating its lack in merit.
The case, registered under suit number EPT/EB/SEN/02/2024, saw Linus Okorie challenging the outcome of the 2024 senatorial by-election, alleging electoral irregularities and accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of rigging the election.
However, the tribunal, after thorough examination, found no merit in the allegations thereby upheld Senator Anthony Ani’s victory.
A similar petition, case number EPT/EB/SEN/01/2024, filed by Joseph Onu Silas, against Independent National Electoral commission (INEC), Senator Anthony Okorie Ani and two others was also dismissed by the tribunal, reinforcing Senator Ani’s mandate.
Reacting to the judgement, Chukwunonso Onwe, counsel to one of the petitioners, expressed caution, stating that they would review the ruling before deciding on their next steps.
Adding ” we have keenly listened to the judgement delivered and we have informed the tribunal that we need a copy of same , so that we can redigest same and know what to do next,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the ruling was met with jubilation by supporters of Senator Ani. The Chairman-elect, Onicha Local Government Area, Ogboffia Ikechukwu, expressed his happiness, declaring the day a victory for all indegenes of Ebonyi South. He hinted at efforts to reconcile differences within the political landscape once he assumes office.
The Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Hon. Chidiebere Uzor also voiced his approval of the tribunal’s decision. ” I’m very happy concerning today’s judgement , someone who does not even have up to 700 voters is going to court to do what, among 35,000 votes that were voted in favour of our senator. My advice to Linus Okorie is that fighting a brother is not a solution , he should meet him so that they will work together and deliver on the mandate.”
The Counsel to Senator Ani, Roy O. Umahi Nweze, expressed satisfaction with the tribunal’s judgement, stressing that justice had been served.
He acknowledged that the petitioners have right to appeal, “everybody can go and appeal anyway they are free. The appeal too will suffer what the petition had suffered today, it is their constitutional right they are free and we will be happy if they do, because it will make us to shine the more.” He stated.