Appeal Court Affirms Hope Uzodinma’s Election as Imo State Governor
The Court of Appeal Abuja has upheld the election of Hope Uzodinma as the Governor of Imo State, dismissing appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Samuel Anyawu and other candidates.
The appeals challenged the decision of the Imo State tribunal, which had upheld Uzodinma’s election following the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial polls. The appellants contended that the election was invalid due to alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act and raised issues regarding Uzodinma’s qualification, alleging forgery of his WAEC Certificate of Education.
In delivering the judgment, the three-man panel led by Justice Bitrus Sanga ruled that the appeals lacked merit.
According to Justice Sanga, “The appeal lacked merit having resolved all issues formulated against the appellants in the suit.”
Addressing specific allegations, the court held that the appellants failed to substantiate their claims of electoral irregularities.
“The appellants in their appeal failed to prove the allegation of non-compliance as alleged,” Justice Sanga stated.
Regarding the accusation of forgery against Governor Uzodinma, the court also found the appellants’ arguments inadequate: “The appellants failed to prove that the governor submitted a forged certificate,” he added.
The judgment effectively affirms Hope Uzodinma’s mandate as the authentic governor of Imo State, reinforcing the decision of the Imo State tribunal. The dismissal of the appeals marks a stupendous legal victory for Uzodinma and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
