The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal convened in Enugu has rendered a significant verdict, nullifying the election victory of Professor Sunday Nnamchi, the Labour Party’s candidate, who had been declared the winner of the House of Representatives seat for the Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in Enugu State.
The judgment, which came in response to a petition filed by Prince Cornelius Nnaji, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was delivered by a panel of three justices led by A. M. Abubakar. The tribunal upheld Prince Cornelius Nnaji as the rightful winner of the election, which took place on February 25, 2023.
Prince Nnaji, a former federal lawmaker with a single term of service, had contested the legitimacy of Nnamchi’s victory, challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration that Nnamchi was the rightful winner. Nnaji’s argument was centered on the assertion that the Labour Party candidate was not properly sponsored and did not meet the qualifications necessary to run for the election.
In a unanimous decision, the tribunal concurred with the petitioner, affirming that the Labour Party’s candidate was indeed ineligible to participate in the election.
This verdict has significant implications for the representation of the Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency and underscores the importance of adhering to the electoral guidelines and qualifications necessary for candidature in Nigeria’s democratic processes. Further details regarding the tribunal’s decision are expected to be made available in due course.