The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Enugu State has dismissed the petition filed by Barr Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party (LP) challenging the election of Governor Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Allegations and Dismissal
Edeoga’s petition raised several allegations against Mbah, including the forgery of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, irregularities during the election, and over-voting. However, the three-man panel led by Justice Kudirat Morayo Akano dismissed the petition, ruling in favor of Governor Mbah.
Forgery of NYSC Certificate
The tribunal struck out Edeoga’s application to disqualify Mbah based on the alleged forgery of his NYSC certificate. The panel stated that, according to Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution, possessing an NYSC certificate is not a requirement for running in a governorship election. Mbah did not submit his NYSC certificate to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) during his qualification process, as he was already eligible without it.
Over-voting and Bypassing of BVAS
The tribunal also dismissed allegations of over-voting and the bypassing of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). The panel found that the witnesses presented by the Labour Party were not properly accredited agents by INEC, and therefore their testimony was invalid.
Election Validity
The tribunal concluded that Governor Peter Mbah was duly elected by a majority of lawful and valid votes cast during the election.
Dismissed Petition and Other Candidates
Prior to dismissing Edeoga’s petition, the tribunal also rejected a petition filed by Elder Christopher Agu, the governorship candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
