Election Tribunals dismiss APGA petitions against PDP as Ubah, Azubogu win

The National Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Awka, Tuesday, upheld the victory of Senator Andy Ubah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 28, 2015 Anambra South senatorial election.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the election, former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications commission (NCC), Chief Ernest Ndukwe had petitioned the tribunal over the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Senator Ubah as winner.

Delivering ruling Justice Naya Abagana, said that the petitioner failed to mention those he accused of committing electoral fraud in the course of the election.

On the issue of the first respondent not being qualified to contest election in view of not having WAEC certificate, the tribunal quoted Sections 109 and 65A of the Electoral Act, saying that ‘even a mere First School Leaving Certificate is enough qualification for any Nigerian citizen that is above 35 years with a political party backing to contest National Assembly election.’

“The petitioner is incompetent in evidence. There is no ground of malpractices and it cannot affect the result of the election unless it is substantiated.

“The petitioner did not know the number of polling units in Ihiala. The case of the petitioner collapses like a pack of cards,” said Justice Abagana.

Earlier in the day, second tribunal dismissed the petition brought by Emeka Ojukwu Jnr. of APGA against the PDP candidate, Hon Chris Azubogu, who is an incumbent legislator, for lacking evidence.