WHY WE UPHELD IKPEAZU’S ELECTION – SUPREME COURT

The Supreme Court upheld Okezie Ikpeazu governorship as valid. The court held that Alex Otti his opponent have no valid proofs for his claims of over voting, allegations of violence and corrupt practices allegedly perpetrated by the respondents on the April 11, 2015 governorship election. Galadima held that the election results in Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa and Isiala Ngwa by the returning officer was

wrong. He said the action amounted to the disenfranchisement of voters and  It was also inappropriate for the tribunal to order the cancellation of election.

 Galadima further held that the evidence placed before the court showed clearly that the tribunal usurped the constitutional duties of INEC On the card reader, the court maintains its earlier position that the tribunal cannot supplant the voter register. The gadget is only meant to authenticate bearers of voter card and not meant to usurp the statutory power of the voter register. At the moment, the voter register remains the only authentic document as provided by Section 49 of the Electoral Act to prove allegation of fraud in elections,” Galadima declared. On this grounds the supreme court held that the returning governor cannot be held liable.