In a surprising flip of occasions, the Imo State Nationwide and State Home of Meeting Election Petitions Tribunal has eliminated Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency. Nevertheless, Ugochinyere strongly believes that the tribunal’s judgment contradicts the positions of the regulation.
Because the chairman of the Home Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Ugochinyere expressed his disappointment with the tribunal’s resolution, stating that it goes towards the provisions outlined in Part 285 of the 1999 Structure. In accordance with Ugochinyere, the case introduced ahead by the All Progressives Congress (APC) towards his nomination ought to have been handled as a pre-election matter, which might solely be heard by a Federal Excessive Courtroom, not an election petitions tribunal.
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Ugochinyere additional argued that solely a political social gathering has the authorized standing to file a pre-election matter when a dispute on nomination impacts its personal candidates. To assist his claims, he referenced a Supreme Courtroom judgment (SC/CV/501/2023) that described a political social gathering difficult the nomination of one other social gathering’s candidate as a “nosy busybody and a meddlesome interloper.”
The ousted consultant insisted that the tribunal’s resolution was primarily based on a defective petition filed by the APC candidate, Abazu Chika Benson. Ugochinyere accused Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, of influencing the tribunal’s verdict, labeling it a “authorized coup.”
Undeterred by the tribunal’s ruling, Ugochinyere affirmed his readiness to take part within the supplementary ballot ordered by the tribunal. He boldly declared, “Hope Uzodimma ought to know that we’ll by no means bow. Imo will win and Ideato will win.” He emphasised that the result of the Home of Representatives election wouldn’t outline his character, as his focus has all the time been on serving the folks and being guided by God.
Ugochinyere expressed his intention to marketing campaign in Imo State, assuring the those that they’d witness the reality in regards to the previous 4 years and the misuse of public funds. He criticized Uzodimma’s management, claiming that the governor had prioritized his personal ego over the welfare of the folks. Ugochinyere highlighted that Abazu Chika Benson, the APC candidate, had solely received one out of 346 polling items within the Ideato Federal Constituency, questioning the legitimacy of his declare to the seat.
Regardless of the challenges confronted, Ugochinyere remained steadfast, assured in his victory, and grateful for the assist of the folks. He concluded by stating, “In all these jokes from Uzodimma, we’ve remained the victors backed by the immeasurable love of God and assist of our folks. Tomorrow will inform.”
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The Imo State Election Petitions Tribunal has ordered the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election inside 90 days within the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency. This resolution units the stage for a fierce political battle as candidates and events gear up for the upcoming election.
Because the controversy surrounding Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere’s removing continues to unfold, the political panorama in Imo State stays tense. The result of the supplementary ballot will undoubtedly have vital implications for the constituents of Ideato North/South Federal Constituency and the political way forward for the events concerned.