The Abuja-based Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has delivered its verdict, rejecting the petition brought forward by Beatrice Itubo, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Rivers State. This legal action had challenged the victory of Simnalayi Fubara from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 governorship election.
In the contested election, Simnalayi Fubara secured victory with an impressive 302,614 votes, defeating Tonye Cole of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 95,274 votes.
The tribunal’s decision, delivered after careful consideration of final written addresses and arguments from all parties involved, was announced on Monday. Justice Cletus Emifonye, who presided over the tribunal, ruled that the Labour Party’s petition lacked merit and failed to substantiate the allegations put forth.
This verdict brings a legal conclusion to the contentious governorship election in Rivers State, affirming Simnalayi Fubara’s victory as the governor-elect, as declared by the electoral authorities. It marks an important milestone in the political landscape of the state.