The Court of Appeal, convened in Lagos, has unanimously affirmed the election of Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu as the legitimate member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives.
In a unanimous verdict, the panel, led by Justice Abubakar Babandi Gumel, overturned the earlier decision of the Imo State National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal.
Recall that the tribunal had disqualified Ikenga and annulled his election based on a pre-election matter related to the PDP’s primary election
This ruling contradicted numerous precedents set by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which clearly establish that Election Tribunals lack jurisdiction over pre-election matters.
Following the judgment, Emeka Ozoani, SAN, who serves as legal counsel for Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, described the judgment as a victory for democracy and an end to political misconduct.
He pointed out that the tribunal’s controversial ruling had led to the filing of an unprecedented nine appeals against a single judgment, setting a new record in the nation’s election petition history.
Barr. Tochukwu Ohazuruike, while commending the President of the Court of Appeal and the three members of the Panel, underlined their resistance to attempts by Hope Uzodimma to undermine them, much like a previous incident involving Justice Akpovi.
He stressed the importance of recognizing their steadfastness in the face of these challenges.
Hon. Ugochinyere, in his response, expressed his belief that God always vindicates the innocent.
While acknowledging that this victory couldn’t fully compensate for the sacrifices made in the political battle, he emphasized that it would, at the very least, demonstrate that those who lost their lives did not do so in vain.
He also criticized Governor Hope Uzodimma, highlighting the significant margin by which Uzodimma’s candidate lost the election.
Ugochinyere accused the Governor of misusing public funds in a futile attempt to undermine the judiciary.
He called for the resolution of longstanding issues and cautioned the Governor against further violence, reminding him that power is transient, and individuals will be held accountable for their actions, either on Earth or before God.
