The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Samuel Anyawu, contesting the Imo State tribunal’s decision that upheld Hope Uzodinma’s election as the legitimate governor of Imo State.
The appellate court concluded that the appeal lacked merit, having resolved all issues against the appellants. Similarly, the court dismissed the appeals by the Labour Party and its candidate, Achonu Nneji, as well as the Allied Peoples Movement, citing a lack of merit in their cases as well.
The appellants, dissatisfied with the tribunal’s judgment, had approached the Court of Appeal, arguing that the November 11, 2023 election was invalid due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act. They also challenged Uzodinma’s qualification, alleging that his WAEC Certificate of Education was forged.
In delivering the judgment, the Court of Appeal held that the appellants failed to substantiate the allegations of non-compliance. The three-man panel, led by Justice Bitrus Sanga, determined that the appellants did not provide sufficient evidence to prove that Governor Uzodinma had submitted a forged certificate.
