A Nigerian appeal court on Friday annulled the election of Udom Emmanuel of southern oil-rich Akwa Ibom state, the second governor from ex-president Goodluck Jonathan’s party to be removed this week.
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Judgment on the appeal by the All Progressives Congress’ candidate, Mr. Okon Umana asking for an order nullifying the election conducted on April eleven, 2015 in the entire thirty-one Local Government Areas is still being awaited.
Justice Oludotun-Okojie ordered that fresh election be conducted within 90 days in compliance with the Electoral Act 2010 across the state. He also contended that the tribunal erred in law when it held that there are no allegations of commission of crime in the petition, which require proof beyond reasonable doubt as well as its nullification of the results declared by INEC and ordered a re-run in Onna Local Council.
Umanah said the election did not meet the required standard.
The Court of Appeal on Friday nullified the entire election.
The tribunal was wrong in failing to nullify the entire election, the court ruled, setting aside the judgement of the tribunal in the 13 LGAs.
“With all the proven evidence of malpractices Udom could not have scored the majority of the lawful votes cast”.
In his argument before the justices of the appellate court, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), counsel to the APC candidate, prayed for outright cancellation of the entire election.
Mr. Udom is expected to appeal today’s verdict to the Supreme Court for a final decision.
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Emmanuel became the second PDP governor to be sacked this week by the court.
