The ongoing hearing at the tribunal in a suit filed by Prince Eric Aso Kalu of the PDP against Hon. Mike Ukoha of APGA continued today 26th August, 2019, with an INEC official testifying at tribunal.
Speaking in an interview, counsel to the second respondence, Barrister Ike Tagbo explained that the court took a testimony of the evidence from the electoral officer for Arochukwu L.G.A, whom he said incidentally stood in for INEC.
He further said that he gave a good account of himself that it is only in three polling units that results were voided.
He mentioned the areas to include Ututu, one in Ohaeke Abam, and one polling unit in Arochukwu ward 1 were voided by reason of either over voting, mutilation of result or late submission of results and they were all captured in the INEC form.
Barrister Tagbo further said that the electoral officer justified why the return was made in spite of the fact that there seems to be over voting, adding that given the circumstances of the election, the returning officer went ahead and make the return having observed that the three units were insignificant.
Also speaking, INEC counsel, Barrister M.N Nwani said the issue of cross examination and examination in Chief took place at the court, hinting that he led the examination in Chief.
Barrister Nwani stated that since INEC is the umpire, one don’t have to go outside their record.
He pointed out that the guideline and the electoral act are there which guided the elections.
Meanwhile, the second respondent Hon. Mike Ukoha of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is expected to open his case on Wednesday 28th of August 2019.
Speaking while adjourning the sitting, the presiding judge said it is expected that on Wednesday, the second respondent will open and close his case.
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