Posted by Imo State’s gubernatorial candidate for the Labour Party, LP, Nathan Achonu, has threatened to take his case challenging the tribunal’s confirmation of Governor Hope Uzodinma all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. The election is scheduled for November 11.
Achonu expressed his deep regret and disappointment upon receiving the verdict from the Imo State Election Petition Tribunal at a world press conference held on Sunday in Abuja.
The Tribunal dismissed his challenge because he could not prove that the Imo State Governorship Election held on November 11, 2023, was substantially noncompliant with the Electoral Act, he added.
The Tribunal found that I failed to produce the BVAS Machine, which prevented me from proving that the election in question was significantly noncompliant with the Electoral Act.
“I want to stress that this ruling has not diminished my faith in Nigeria’s democratic system or its judicial process; on the contrary, it has strengthened my resolve to demand justice and say “enough is enough” compared to previous rulings.
In order to appeal this decision all the way to the Supreme Court, I shall exhaust all legal avenues.
Because our Judiciary still contains honest, brave, and uncorruptible justices, I have faith that the system will ultimately provide justice.
“Additionally, I will be pursuing a Mandamus order that would compel the Attorney General of the Federation to take action against the multiple INEC officials and Collation/Returning Officers who have committed electoral crimes but are currently free to roam the streets, causing Nigerians to suffer from poverty and insecurity,” she said.
Political opponents were subjected to acts of terror and cruelty in the lead-up to the November 11 governorship election, which was fueled by insecurity.
While visiting a church event in Obibiezena, Owerri North Local Government Area (LGA), I evaded an assassination attempt by his men.
Even though it was terrifying and intimidating, we nevertheless managed to campaign in all 305 wards and 27 LGAs, including Omuma, Hope Uzodinma’s Ward, and our hometown.
He takes all this risk and gets people to the polls, and then he thinks he can steal their votes and mandates by working with INEC and the Tribunal. Nothing will come of it! No way! That will not be tolerated.
“I am determined to take this case all the way to the Supreme Court in order to reclaim the will of the people, and I have faith that the result will improve our electoral law.”