By: Shaft 

The 2019 General Elections ended effectively in Abia state on March 9 2019, bringing to an end casting of ballots by the electorate which started on February 23rd 2019 with the Presidential and National Assembly polls across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Notwithstanding, Election matters have not been put to rest finally.

The stage has shifted from the polling units to the courts, and specifically the elections petitions tribunals.

In Abia state, the total of thirty-two(32) petitions have been filed pending the inauguration of the Tribunal and formal commencement of hearing the petitions. Breakdown of the petitions indicate as follows: four (4) petitions in respect of the Senatorial Elections,  nine (9) Federal House of Representatives, fifteen (15) State House of Assembly petitions and four(4) Governorship petition cases.

Among the Governorship petition cases are Dr. Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah vs Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and INEC, Dr. Alex Otti vs Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and INEC and another 2 cases filed against Ikpeazu and INEC.

National Assembly petition cases to be entertained by the tribunals include Senator Ohuabunwa Arukwe Mao vs Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and INEC for Abia North, Chief Chris Nwonta vs Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and INEC for Abia South and  Senator Nkechi Nwogu vs Senator T.A Orji and INEC for Abia Central. Other cases at the House of Representative level are; Hon. Eze Nwoloki vs Hon. Uzoma Abonta and INEC for Ukwa West/East, Chief Nnamdi Iro Oji vs Hon. Nko Nkole and INEC for Arochukwu/Ohafia, Hon. Jude Udeachara vs Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha and INEC for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Chima Anyaso vs Hon. Benjamin Kalu and INEC for Bende, Hon. Humphrey Azubuike vs Hon. Solomon Adaelu for Osisioma/Ugwunagbo/Obingwa, Okwara Ibe Osonwa vs Hon. Nko Nkole and INEC for Arochukwu/Ohafia, Martins Apugo Ikechukwu vs Hon. Sam Onuigbo and INEC for Ikwuano/Umuahia, Hon. Uzor Azubuike vs Hon. Prestige Ossy and INEC for Aba North/South, Mascot Uzor Kalu vs Prestige Ossy and INEC for Aba North/South.

For the House of Assembly, 32 petitions were filed and document attached.

AFN recent checks reveal the tribunals are likely to swing into action in about three weeks time according to information available from the tribunal sources.

The petitioners and the defendents are currently dotting the Is and crossing the Ts  in preparedness to argue their respective cases and seek redress accordingly. Very soon the tribunal would be busy and witness legal juggernauts cross swords.

AFN will be bring you full details of what will be happening in the tribunal when it starts.