September 21, (THEWILL) – The Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the election victory of Governor Peter Mbah in the March 18 governorship election held in the State.
The three-member panel of the tribunal led by Justice Kudirat Murayo Akano, dismissed the two petitions filed by Chijioke Edeoga, candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and Christopher Agu of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) against the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Peter Mbah.
The tribunal, which struck out all allegations of over-voting and bypassing BVAS, held that Mbah was duly elected by the majority of lawful and valid votes cast during the March 18 gubernatorial poll
In dismissing the petitions, the tribunal struck out the forgery of the NYSC certificate case against Mbah. It held that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate is not a qualification to contest a governorship election.
“Assuming that the NYSC discharge certificate of the second Respondent, as claimed by the Petitioners, was forged, is the NYSC Certificate a qualification to contest for Governor in Nigeria according to the constitution? The answer is no,” Justice Akano said.
“On NYSC certificate forgery; the absence of certified true copy of NYSC certificate made the submission of petitioner inadmissible.
“On no evidence of true documents by the petitioner, the court agrees on the argument of the second respondent that the petitioner lacks locus standi to challenge the NYSC certificate of Peter Mbah in the court.
“On not being duly elected by the lawful majority vote, it was ruled out as the witness could not present the evidence of what transpired in the puling units mentioned but presented evidence based on hearsay.
“The petitioners, having failed in all charges against the second respondent, hereby affirmed the election of second respondent, Barr. Peter Mbah, as the Governor-elect of Enugu State,” Justice Akano ruled.
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