The Court of Appeal in Lagos State has upheld the victory of Alex Otti,the Abia State Governor in the 2023 election.
On Saturday, the court unanimously confirmed that the election adhered to the Electoral Act.
The court dismissed appeals by the PDP and APC, deeming them lacking merit.
The court stated that matters of political party membership are pre-election issues within the party’s jurisdiction.
Background
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)declared Otti as the winner of the governorship election held in the state.
Following the declaration, Okey Ahiwe of the PDP approached the State Petition Tribunal on allegation that Otto was not qualified to contest for the governorship election of Abia state.
They claimed he was not a bonafide or registered member of the Labour Party as claimed.
Otti was also accused of forging his NYSC certificate.
However, In October, the Tribunal dismissed their claims for lacking merit.
Not satisfied with the decision of the tribunal, they approached the Appellate court seeking to overturn the decision of the lower court.
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Court decision
Delivering judgement, A three-man panel upheld the victory of Otti at the election, declaring that it follows the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The court disarmed the accusation level against him holding that they lacked merit.
It also said the aggrieved parties’ petition was like “ a comedy skit brought to a democratic setting”.
The court further stressed that the issues of the political party members were before the election, which falls within the party’s jurisdiction.
It concluded that since Otti won the primary election at the party and his name was sent to INEC to contest, the condition is enough to qualify him.