A three-man panel sitting in Umuahia today September 13, 2019, declared that the election won by Dr. Mike Ukoha for Arochukwu Constituency was characterized by over voting, with instances in Ujari 2, Amasu 1 and 3 as well as Agbagwu all in Arochukwu.
The presiding judge explained that the petitioner Prince Eric Aso Kalu was did the right thing to approach the court for relief saying and ordered INEC to arrange for a rerun in those units where there was over voting within 90 days.
The Tribunal judge mentioned the units where rerun should take place to include Ujari 3, Amasu 1, 2 and 3, Agbagwu, Government Area/Mary Slessor as well as Ibom/Aggrey Primary School in Arochukwu
Others include Ndi Arunsi Ogbaja Unit, Obiene 1/Obiene Central School, Obiagwulu 3 and Abuma 2
/Abuma Hall all in Ututu.
Speaking in an interview, one of the counsels to Second respondent Barrister C. H. Osuji however explained that Hon. Ukoha will Appeal the verdict, saying that the judges erred in the judgement by ordering for a rerun.
Also speaking, counsel to INEC Barrister M. S Nwani stated that for the Tribunal to settle for a rerun means that the suit was weighty, pointing out if the rerun is conducted, it will be to Dr. Ukoha’s favour as Arochukwu remains his stronghold.
Barrister Nwani further hinted that the Second respondent will approach the Appeal Court to seek redress.
It would be recall that Prince Eric Aso Kalu of the PDP had filed a suit at the Tribunal, seeking to nullify the election which returned Dr. Mike Ukoha of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), saying that the said election was marred by irregularities and over voting.
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